In a historic moment for space travel, Blue Origin is set to launch an all-female crew into space on April 14, 2025. The flight, which will take off from West Texas at 9:30 a.m. ET, features a lineup of remarkable women, including pop star Katy Perry, journalist Lauren Sánchez, CBS anchor Gayle King, bioastronautics scientist Amanda Nguyen, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
This mission, known as NS-31, marks the first all-female civilian crew to attempt such a journey since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963. The NS-31 rocket will soar to an altitude of 62 miles above Earth, crossing the Kármán line, which is recognized internationally as the boundary of space. The crew will experience approximately four minutes of weightlessness during the 11-minute flight.
The excitement surrounding the launch is palpable. Sánchez, who is engaged to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, expressed her pride in leading this groundbreaking mission. "We are a crew!" she exclaimed during a photoshoot for Elle magazine, where the women showcased their stylish, designer space suits. These suits, created by Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim of Monse and Oscar de la Renta, combine fashion with functionality, featuring a sleek, flame-resistant stretch neoprene material.
Katy Perry, known for her chart-topping hits and vibrant personality, has promised to sing during the flight. She shared her enthusiasm on social media, stating, "We’re putting the ‘ass’ in astronaut." Her lighthearted approach reflects the crew's aim to inspire young girls everywhere to dream big and reach for the stars. "I’m doing this for the next generation to inspire so many different people but especially young girls to go, ‘I’ll go to space in the future,’" Perry said in an interview.
The NS-31 crew is not just a collection of celebrities; each member brings unique expertise and passion to the mission. Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist, will conduct experiments on women's health and plants during the flight. She is also recognized for her advocacy work for survivors of sexual violence, having been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Gayle King, an Emmy-winning journalist, shared her mixed feelings about the journey, admitting to both excitement and trepidation. "I had a lot of trepidation – I still do – but I also know it’s very interesting to be terrified and excited at the same time," she said. King hopes to convey to children watching that "no dream is too big."
Former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, who is also the CEO of STEMBoard, aims to inspire young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science and technology. "I hope my journey from community college to space will inspire young people in the Bahamas and around the world to pursue their dreams," she remarked.
Kerianne Flynn, a film producer, and Lauren Sánchez, an Emmy-winning journalist and licensed pilot, round out the crew. Sánchez has been instrumental in selecting the team and preparing for the flight, sharing her excitement about fulfilling a childhood dream of going to space.
The launch will be livestreamed on Blue Origin's website and social media channels, with coverage starting at 7 a.m. CT, 90 minutes before the scheduled liftoff. The rocket will reach speeds of up to three times the speed of sound, and the crew will experience a brief moment of weightlessness before descending back to Earth, landing safely using parachutes.
Despite the celebration of this historic flight, some critics question the nature of such space tourism missions, pondering whether they are merely joy rides. Nonetheless, the significance of having an all-female crew represents a step forward in gender representation in the field of space exploration.
As the crew prepares for the launch, they are supported by a host of celebrities, including Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian, who expressed their pride in the women taking part in this groundbreaking mission. "It’s such a big day in history. It’s so empowering," Khloé Kardashian noted.
Blue Origin, founded by Bezos in 2000, has been competing in the commercial space launch industry, aiming to establish itself as a leader alongside companies like SpaceX. The company has completed 31 successful launches of its New Shepard vehicle, with NS-31 being its 11th crewed flight.
As the countdown to liftoff continues, the excitement builds for this historic mission. With a crew of inspiring women ready to take to the stars, the NS-31 flight is set to make waves not just in space exploration but also in the fight for gender equality in the sciences.
