Katy Perry is set to make history on Monday, April 14, 2025, as she joins an all-female crew on Blue Origin's New Shepard flight, marking the first all-woman mission to space since 1963. The launch, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. local time from Launch Site One in West Texas, aims to inspire future generations and highlight the role of women in space exploration.
This groundbreaking flight, designated NS-31, will carry six remarkable women, including TV journalist Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. The mission was handpicked by Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos's fiancée, who expressed her excitement about leading a team of inspiring female explorers.
The New Shepard rocket will ascend to approximately 62 miles above Earth, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. The crew will experience weightlessness for around four minutes before safely returning to Earth, with the entire journey expected to last about 11 minutes.
Perry, who has voiced her long-standing dream of going to space, expressed her motivation for participating in the mission. She stated, "I am talking to myself every day and going, ‘You’re brave, you’re bold, you are 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.’ No limitations." This sentiment encapsulates the mission's broader goal of empowering women and encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal limitations.
In the days leading up to the launch, Perry shared her preparations, including reading works by renowned astrophysicist Carl Sagan to mentally prepare for the journey. She stated, "I have always been interested in astrophysics and interested in astronomy and astrology and the stars. We are all made of stardust and we all come from the stars." This connection to the cosmos reflects her passion for science and exploration.
Each member of the crew has been given a three-pound baggage allowance, and Perry has chosen an item to remind them how precious Earth is, although she has not disclosed what it is. The launch will be live-streamed, allowing fans and space enthusiasts to witness this historic event from home.
The mission has garnered both excitement and criticism. While many celebrate this milestone for women in space, some critics, including actress Olivia Munn, have questioned the necessity of space tourism, suggesting that the resources could be better utilized elsewhere. Munn remarked, "What are they doing? Like why? You know what I mean? I know that this is probably not the cool thing to say, but there are so many other things that are so important in the world right now."
Despite the criticisms, the mission represents a significant step forward in commercial space travel and aims to inspire future generations. Sanchez emphasized the importance of the mission, stating, "This is about inspiring others to dream big. These women are incredible storytellers, and they will share their experiences to create lasting impact."
Blue Origin, founded by Bezos in 2000, has made significant strides in commercial space travel. The company successfully launched its first unmanned rocket in 2015 and conducted its first manned spaceflight in 2021. To date, Blue Origin has successfully taken 48 people to space, including notable figures such as William Shatner and Michael Strahan. The ticket price for a seat on one of these flights has not been publicly disclosed, but it is believed that the deposit alone is around $150,000.
The NS-31 mission is part of Blue Origin's broader goal to make space travel accessible to more than just the ultra-wealthy. The company aims to reduce the cost of access to space and is actively working with NASA on various projects, including the development of Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations.
As the countdown to the launch continues, excitement builds not only for Perry and her fellow crew members but for the potential of women in space exploration. This mission could pave the way for more inclusive representation in the field and inspire countless young girls to reach for the stars.
