On April 14, 2025, a historic moment unfolded as Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, Gayle King, and three other remarkable women embarked on a groundbreaking journey to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. This mission marked the company’s first-ever all-female crew, an achievement celebrated not just for its novelty but for its significance in the broader context of women’s representation in fields traditionally dominated by men.
The New Shepard rocket launched from Blue Origin’s site in Van Horn, Texas, at precisely 9:31 a.m. local time. Within moments, the capsule soared above the Kármán line, reaching an altitude of 62 miles and achieving speeds of Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound. The entire flight lasted approximately 11 minutes, with the crew experiencing a few minutes of weightlessness before safely landing back on Earth at 9:42 a.m.
Among the six women aboard were former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn, all of whom shared in the exhilarating experience. The flight was part of Blue Origin's mission NS-31, which represents the company's 11th human flight and 31st overall since its inception.
As the crew floated in space, audio captured their excitement with cheers and shouts. One voice exclaimed, “Look at the moon!” reflecting the thrill of the moment. Upon returning to Earth, both King and Perry knelt to kiss the ground, a gesture that encapsulated their gratitude for the experience.
In the aftermath of the flight, both Sánchez and King addressed the criticism that had emerged regarding their journey. Notably, actress Olivia Munn had questioned the appropriateness of the flight given the pressing issues facing the world. King responded, emphasizing the importance of the mission: “I feel anybody that’s criticizing doesn’t really understand what’s happening here,” she said during a press conference. She encouraged critics to consider the inspiration the flight provided to young girls and women, highlighting the hard work that went into making the mission possible.
Sánchez echoed King’s sentiments, expressing her frustration with the backlash. “I would love to have [critics] come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees that don’t just work here but they put their heart and soul into this vehicle,” she remarked. Her passion for the mission was clear, as she invited skeptics to witness firsthand the dedication involved in the space program.
After the flight, King shared her own personal journey, revealing how she had overcome her fear of flying to participate in this mission. “I’m so proud of me right now. I just can’t believe it,” she told Charissa Thompson in a post-flight interview. The contrast between her initial anxiety and her feelings of empowerment upon returning was stark, as she reflected on her newfound confidence: “I walked out of there thinking, ‘Gosh, I can do anything.’”
Meanwhile, pop star Katy Perry, who also participated in the flight, expressed her emotional connection to the experience. “I feel super-connected to love. So connected to love,” she said, emphasizing the transformative nature of the journey. Perry revealed that she plans to write a song to commemorate her spaceflight, sharing that she sang “What a Wonderful World” while in space, a choice she felt resonated with the collective energy of the moment.
The emotional impact of the flight was palpable, with notable figures like Oprah Winfrey expressing their support. Winfrey, who had been watching the event unfold, praised King for her bravery in conquering her fears. “This is one of the most fullest expressions you can possibly have,” Winfrey said, reflecting on the significance of the mission.
As the world watches, the implications of this flight extend beyond the personal achievements of the crew. It symbolizes a step forward in the fight for gender equality in science and technology, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in these fields. The mission’s success serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the potential for women to break barriers.
In the days following the flight, excitement continued to build around the upcoming wedding of Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos. The couple, who got engaged in May 2023, are reportedly planning to tie the knot this summer in Italy, potentially aboard their luxurious $500 million yacht off the coast of Venice. This upcoming nuptial adds a personal layer to Sánchez’s recent journey, intertwining her professional achievements with her personal life.
As this remarkable chapter unfolds, one thing is clear: the journey to space has left a lasting impression on Sánchez, King, Perry, and their fellow astronauts. The experiences shared in those fleeting moments above Earth have not only changed their lives but have also contributed to a larger narrative about women’s empowerment and the future of space exploration.
