Katy Perry is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey as she joins an all-female crew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission, NS-31. The suborbital flight is scheduled to launch on Monday, April 14, 2025, from Launch Site One in West Texas. The launch window officially opens at 8:30 a.m. CDT / 13:30 UTC, according to Blue Origin. Perry will be joined by Lauren Sánchez, journalist Gayle King, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyễn, producer Kerianne Flynn, and former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe. The flight marks Blue Origin’s 11th human mission and its first featuring an all-women crew—making it a historic moment in space exploration and private aerospace.
Once launched, the New Shepard rocket will accelerate the crew past the Kármán line—100 kilometers above Earth—where they will briefly experience weightlessness and witness stunning views of the planet. The capsule will then descend under parachutes for a gentle landing. Spearheaded by Sánchez, the mission aims to shift perspectives and empower storytelling that inspires future generations. In a symbolic gesture of unity and excitement, all six women recently revealed their matching blue flight suits on social media.
Viewers can watch the event live starting at 7 a.m. ET with special coverage on CBS Mornings, followed by the Gayle Goes to Space special at 9 a.m. ET. The launch will also be available to stream via Paramount+ and local CBS affiliates. This mission not only highlights the growing reach of space tourism but also sets a new benchmark for female representation in commercial space travel.
Katy Perry has hailed the “incredible and inspiring” women who will be joining her on the flight. The 40-year-old pop star shared on Instagram, “I’ve dreamt of going to space for 15 years and tomorrow that dream becomes a reality. I am so honoured to be alongside five other incredible and inspiring women as we become the first ever all-female flight space crew!” Perry’s call name for the mission is Feather, and she has expressed her excitement about the journey, stating, “I do believe this (is happening) because believing your dreams and saying that is actually how you make your dreams come true.”
During her training, Perry noted two unexpected coincidences related to her mother’s nicknames for her. She explained, “When I was invited to come on this voyage, I looked up at the capsule. On the very front of it is the outline in the shape of a feather… The capsule’s name is Tortoise. My mom calls me two nicknames – Feather and Tortoise. What are the chances that I’m going to space on a rocket in a capsule with my symbol, the feather, called Tortoise?”
Lauren Sánchez, who organized the mission, emphasized that it is about inspiring others to “dream big.” The crew also includes Gayle King, who is known for her role on CBS Mornings and for her fearless journalism. King expressed her excitement, saying, “This is so much bigger than just a fun trip — what it represents to young women, to girls, what they’re trying to do on space in terms of looking at the planet in another way.”
Meanwhile, Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard, is set to conduct three research experiments during the flight, focusing on plant biology and human physiology. Amanda Nguyễn, a bioastronautics research scientist and advocate for sexual violence survivors, will also make history as the first Vietnamese-born woman to travel to space. Kerianne Flynn, a film producer, rounds out the crew, bringing her expertise in storytelling to the mission.
As the launch date approaches, the crew has shared their excitement and preparations on social media. They have showcased their blue flight suits, designed specifically to fit women, in a departure from traditional male-oriented designs. Perry humorously remarked, “We are going to put the ‘ass’ in astronaut,” highlighting the blend of glamour and adventure that this mission embodies.
The mission is notable not only for its all-female crew but also for the significant strides it represents in the field of space tourism. Blue Origin has been at the forefront of commercial space travel, with NS-31 being the company’s 31st flight and 11th crewed mission since 2021. The flight will reach an altitude of 62 miles, marking the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
Critics, however, have raised questions about the nature of such missions, with some viewing them as mere joy rides. Gayle King acknowledged her trepidation about the experience, saying, “I still do… but I also know it’s very interesting to be terrified and excited at the same time.”
While the excitement builds, Blue Origin’s founder Jeff Bezos is engaged in a competitive space race with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has launched significantly more missions. As Blue Origin aims to carve out its niche in the industry, the NS-31 mission serves as a powerful statement about women’s roles in space and the importance of representation in STEM fields.
The launch of NS-31 stands as a testament to the growing representation of women in space exploration and the importance of storytelling in inspiring future generations. As Perry and her fellow crew members prepare for their historic flight, they hope to encourage young girls around the world to dream big and pursue their aspirations, no matter how lofty they may seem.
As the countdown to lift-off continues, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness this landmark moment in history. The NS-31 mission is not just a flight; it’s a celebration of empowerment, courage, and the spirit of exploration.
