Pop superstar Katy Perry and CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King made history on April 14, 2025, by joining an all-female crew on a groundbreaking mission to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The launch took place at 9:30 AM Eastern Time from the company’s West Texas facility, marking a significant milestone as the first all-female crewed expedition since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963.
The New Shepard rocket soared more than 62 miles into the atmosphere, surpassing the Kármán line, which is recognized as the boundary of space. This eight-minute journey allowed the six women on board to experience several minutes of weightlessness and witness breathtaking views of Earth from above.
Alongside Perry and King, the crew included Lauren Sánchez, Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, NASA veteran Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. Upon their return, the astronauts were greeted by Bezos, who expressed his pride and excitement for the crew, stating, “I love you all and I can’t wait to hear how it’s changed you when you get back.”
During the flight, the travelers experienced acceleration up to 3Gs, with maximum G forces reaching 5Gs during descent. The women enjoyed approximately four minutes of weightlessness, a moment they had eagerly anticipated. King, who had previously expressed her nervousness about the flight, remarked, “As excited as I am, I’ll be very glad when we come back down.” She also shared that her decision to participate was influenced by advice from LL Cool J, saying, “Dreams don’t have deadlines.”
After the rocket landed, the crew emerged from the capsule, with Perry kneeling to kiss the ground, a symbolic gesture of gratitude for their safe return. King joined her, expressing her awe at the experience, stating, “Oh my god, that was amazing.” Sánchez reflected on the flight, saying, “I looked out of the window and we got to see the moon,” while Nguyen shared her gratitude, stating she was “so grateful to everyone who made it a reality.”
Perry had previously teased her fans on Instagram about singing in space, saying, “I gotta sing in space.” Although it was unclear what she sang during the flight, she emphasized that the experience was more about appreciating Earth and its beauty. “From up there, we will think, ‘Oh my God, we have to protect our mother,’” she noted in a pre-recorded interview.
The mission aimed to highlight women in aeronautics, showcasing their capabilities and contributions to a field traditionally dominated by men. The event drew significant public attention, with spectators cheering as the rocket launched and gained altitude. The excitement was palpable on the ground, with Khloé Kardashian expressing her emotional response to the launch, saying, “I didn’t realize how emotional it would be.”
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket operates autonomously, eliminating the need for a pilot. The capsule, which housed the astronauts, was designed to land safely with the help of three parachutes. This innovative approach to space travel reflects the growing interest in commercial space tourism, with Blue Origin leading the charge.
The successful flight is a testament to the advancements in space exploration technology and the increasing role of women in this field. As the astronauts celebrated their achievement, Oprah Winfrey, a close friend of King’s, expressed her pride, stating, “None of us will ever forget this day.” Winfrey highlighted the significance of this mission, noting that it transcends just a journey into space.
As the crew members shared their experiences, they emphasized the camaraderie and support among them during the flight. Sánchez described the feeling of joy that permeated the cabin, stating, “There was a feeling of joy and camaraderie among the women in space.”
In a world where space travel was once the realm of a select few, this mission represents a pivotal moment for inclusivity and empowerment. The all-female crew not only made history but also inspired future generations of women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The event has sparked conversations about the importance of representation in all fields, particularly in aeronautics and space exploration. By showcasing the talents and determination of these women, the mission serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring female astronauts and scientists.
As the dust settles on this historic flight, the crew members are left with memories that will last a lifetime. They have not only pushed the boundaries of what is possible in space travel but have also paved the way for future missions that prioritize diversity and inclusion. The world watches with bated breath as the next chapter in space exploration unfolds, inspired by the courage and ambition of these remarkable women.
In the coming days, more details about the mission and its impact on the crew will emerge, but one thing is clear: April 14, 2025, will be remembered as a landmark day in the history of space travel.
