In a historic leap for women in space exploration, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket launched on April 14, 2025, carrying an all-female crew to the edge of space. The flight, which took off from West Texas at 8:30 a.m. CDT, marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in 64 years of human spaceflight that an all-women crew filled every seat.
The mission, designated NS-31, featured six remarkable women: singer Katy Perry, CBS Mornings host Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez, who is engaged to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. The flight lasted approximately 11 minutes, with the capsule ascending over 62 miles above Earth, crossing the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, and allowing the crew to experience about four minutes of weightlessness.
As the crew prepared for liftoff, Bezos was present to support his fiancée and the other women. Just before they boarded the capsule, he shared heartfelt words, saying, “Most amazing, most profound experience. I’m so excited for you, I don’t wanna get off. I wanna go with you.” This moment underscored the personal significance of the flight, not just for the crew members but for Bezos as well.
The astronaut suits worn by the crew were custom-designed by Monse, featuring a navy-blue base adorned with patches representing NASA, Blue Origin, and the crew members’ last names. These suits were produced by Creative Character Engineering, with each astronaut receiving a 3D body scan to ensure a perfect fit. Lauren Sánchez had previously collaborated with Monse on designs for other occasions, including the 2024 Met Gala.
The New Shepard rocket is fully autonomous, meaning there are no pilots on board; the flight is controlled remotely. This technology reflects Blue Origin’s commitment to making space travel more accessible and efficient. The rocket successfully returned to Earth, landing softly with the help of parachutes, while the booster landed autonomously about two miles from the launch site.
Upon their return, the crew was greeted by a jubilant Bezos, who opened the capsule and embraced Sánchez as she emerged. In a light-hearted moment, Sánchez remarked, “I had to come back. We’re getting married. If I didn’t come back that would be a bummer.” This playful comment highlighted the personal stakes involved in the mission, which took place just two months before their planned wedding in Venice.
Each crew member had their own motivations for participating in this groundbreaking mission. For Katy Perry, it was a chance to inspire her daughter, Daisy, to dream big. She took a daisy flower with her as a tribute, expressing her desire to show that anyone can achieve their dreams regardless of their background. During the flight, she even sang a few lines of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” capturing the moment's emotional weight.
Gayle King described the experience as “oddly quiet” and “peaceful” while looking down at Earth, emphasizing the need for humanity to do better. She expressed hope that her journey would encourage others to step outside their comfort zones. Amanda Nguyen, the first Vietnamese woman in space, shared her journey of resilience, stating, “It’s a dream come true, and for me, it was a dream deferred.” Her advocacy for sexual assault survivors has shaped her life, and she aims to honor her past while inspiring others.
Aisha Bowe, who has a background in astrophysics, highlighted the importance of representation in STEM fields, noting that many young girls shy away from these careers due to a lack of role models. She stated, “This representation really matters. It’s people seeing themselves and being able to show up authentically in their careers in the future.”
Kerianne Flynn reflected on her childhood fascination with the stars, sharing that her grandfather inspired her love of astronomy. She expressed her excitement about being part of this historic all-female crew, stating, “I felt honored and excited. I can't wait to touch down on Earth and share what we bring back with the world.”
The launch has sparked conversations about the future of space tourism, which has been met with mixed opinions. Critics argue that the high costs associated with space travel, including a $150,000 deposit to secure a seat on Blue Origin, make it an exclusive experience that few can afford. Supporters, however, believe that private companies like Blue Origin are driving innovation and making space more accessible.
Despite the challenges, the mission represents a significant step forward in commercial spaceflight and women’s representation in the field. With only about 15% of the over 700 people who have traveled to space being women, the NS-31 mission serves as an important reminder of the need for diversity in aerospace.
The successful launch and return of the NS-31 crew not only highlight the advancements in space travel but also the potential for women to lead the charge in this new frontier. As the world watches, the accomplishments of these six women will undoubtedly inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
