Blue Origin is making history with its next spaceflight set to take place this spring, featuring the first all-female crew since Valentina Tereshkova's groundbreaking solo flight with the Soviet Union in 1963. The highly anticipated mission, known as NS-31, will not only showcase the advancements of women in space but also include prominent figures from various fields, highlighting their achievements and aspirations.
The six-member crew includes pop sensation Katy Perry, CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, journalist Lauren Sánchez, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. This assembly of accomplished women is expected to capture the public's imagination as Blue Origin continues its mission of pushing boundaries and making space accessible.
Gayle King, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday, expressed her mixed emotions about the flight, stating, "I don’t know how to explain being terrified and excited at the same time. It’s like how I felt about delivering a baby," during her announcement on CBS Mornings. She explained how she consulted with friends and family, including Oprah Winfrey, before accepting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I thought Oprah would say ‘no, no.’ She said, ‘I think if you don’t do it, when they all come back and you had the opportunity to do it, you will be kicking yourself.’ She’s right,” King added, reflecting on her apprehension and excitement.
The NS-31 mission will mark the eleventh human flight for Blue Origin's New Shepard program and the thirty-first flight overall. Blue Origin, founded by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, aims to provide suborbital spaceflight experiences, with previously notable passengers including William Shatner and Michael Strahan, among others. The flight lasts roughly ten minutes, taking passengers over the Kármán line—generally recognized as the boundary dividing Earth’s atmosphere from outer space—allowing them to experience weightlessness and breathtaking views of our planet.
Lauren Sánchez, who is also engaged to Bezos, is credited with bringing this special crew together. She expressed her hopes for the mission, saying, "This is not just about us going to space. We are here to challenge perspectives and inspire the next generation of explorers. I am honored to lead this incredible team on such a transformative mission." This dedication to empowering others aligns well with Blue Origin's goal of making space travel more accessible.
Perry has not made any public statements about the flight yet, but insiders suggest she is enthusiastic about the adventure. According to the Blue Origin statement, "Katy is honored to be a part of Blue Origin's first all-female crew and hopes her experience will encourage her daughter and others to reach for the stars, literally and figuratively." This mission might very well serve as a valuable inspiration to the younger generation, particularly young girls interested in STEM fields.
The significance of this all-woman crew cannot be overstated. "These women are so badass," King remarked about her fellow crew members. "They have such amazing life stories," highlighting the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments each woman brings to the flight. The NS-31 mission signifies more than just individual journeys; it serves as a reminder of the progress made over the decades toward gender equality in fields historically dominated by men, such as science and aerospace.
Blue Origin’s press release commemorates this milestone and emphasizes its commitment to fostering diversity. The flight aims to empower the crew to share their stories and impact future generations positively. Sánchez’s vision of leading such passionate women on this mission reflects the broader legacy of female astronauts who have shattered glass ceilings.
Previously, the last all-female crewed flight occurred during the Soviet Union's space program, with Tereshkova taking the lead as the first woman to reach space. Combining the expertise of scientists and the influence of popular culture figures makes this mission distinctively impactful, drawing attention to the significance of representation and empowerment.
Even the technological aspects of Blue Origin showcase advancements, as their reusable rocket system has improved not only efficiency but also the potential for more frequent flights. Recent news indicated layoffs at Blue Origin affecting approximately 10% of its workforce; CEO Dave Limp noted this restructuring would help focus resources effectively toward future projects, including scaling their New Glenn rocket manufacturing.
The NS-31 flight is pivotal, announcing not just plans for continued exploration but also highlighting the talents and stories of women actively participating within the rapidly changing field of space exploration. Each crew member's experience will open new conversations around women achieving great feats and their contributions to science and humanity as part of the narrative.
Blue Origin's efforts are poised to ignite excitement around space travel and showcase remarkable stories—a narrative the world will appreciate as these women prepare for liftoff. With so much at stake, this mission goes beyond science, extending its reach to cultural significance, urging future generations to dream bigger and aiming higher. The flight stands as both celebration and triumph, promising to set new records and shape future explorations.