In a historic milestone for space travel, Blue Origin successfully launched its first all-female crew into space on April 14, 2025. The mission, designated NS-31, featured six remarkable women, including pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and Lauren Sanchez, the fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. The launch took place at 10:30 AM Brasilia time from a site near Van Horn, Texas, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to promote female representation in the aerospace industry.
The New Shepard rocket, designed for suborbital flights, reached the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, approximately three minutes and twenty-five seconds after takeoff. The crew experienced about four minutes of weightlessness, allowing them to float freely while observing the Earth from an altitude of over 100 kilometers. The entire flight lasted around eleven minutes, with the capsule safely returning to the desert floor shortly after deployment of its parachutes.
During the flight, Katy Perry expressed her excitement and purpose for participating in this groundbreaking mission. In an interview with Elle, she shared that she had dreamed of going to space for nearly two decades, stating, "I wanted to make space glamorous." She aims to inspire young girls to believe that they too can aspire to travel to space. Perry remarked, "I’ve always been interested in astrophysics, astronomy, astrology, and the stars," emphasizing her desire to motivate future generations.
After the zero-gravity phase, Perry sang a rendition of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," a moment that Gayle King described as poignant. King noted, "We asked her to sing 'Roar,' but she said the moment wasn't about her, but about the world." This sentiment encapsulated the mission's broader goal of showcasing women's capabilities in fields traditionally dominated by men.
The other crew members included Aisha Bowe, a former NASA engineer and advocate for women in STEM, Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Kerianne Flynn, a film producer focused on women’s stories, and Lauren Sanchez, who played a significant role in organizing the mission. Sanchez designed the crew's uniforms and emphasized the importance of representation in space exploration.
As the capsule returned to Earth, the crew's excitement was palpable. Upon landing, Lauren Sanchez was the first to exit the capsule, followed by Katy Perry, who kissed the ground in a celebratory gesture. The moment was especially meaningful for Perry, who brought a daisy with her to honor her daughter, Daisy, stating, "Daisies are resilient, powerful, and strong. This experience is second only to being a mother."
Oprah Winfrey, a longtime friend of Gayle King, was present at the launch site, along with other notable figures such as Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian, who supported Sanchez. The event attracted widespread media attention, with many expressing excitement and pride in the achievement of an all-female crew.
The mission NS-31 represents a significant shift in the narrative surrounding women in space. Historically, only about 11% of all space travelers have been women, a statistic that highlights the need for increased representation in the industry. Perry and her fellow crew members hope their journey will inspire more women to pursue careers in aerospace and beyond.
Blue Origin's New Shepard has previously carried a variety of passengers, including Jeff Bezos himself, who made headlines during his own flight in July 2021. The company aims to make space travel accessible to a broader audience, although ticket prices remain steep, often reaching millions of dollars. A deposit of $150,000 is required to secure a seat, making this experience a luxury for most.
The success of the NS-31 mission not only highlights the capabilities of women in space but also showcases the potential for future missions that prioritize diversity and inclusion. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, the participation of women like Perry, King, and Sanchez is vital for inspiring the next generation of explorers.
In the wake of the launch, reactions have been mixed, with some praising the mission for its groundbreaking nature while others, such as actress Olivia Munn, criticized the high costs associated with space travel. Munn remarked, "It's a lot of money to go to space," reflecting a sentiment shared by many who question the ethics of such extravagant expenditures.
Despite the criticisms, the excitement surrounding the mission remains strong, with many taking to social media to express their support and anticipation for what lies ahead in the realm of space exploration. With the successful completion of the NS-31 mission, Blue Origin has taken a significant step toward not only democratizing access to space but also ensuring that women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aerospace.
The journey of these six women is a testament to their determination and the collective power of women striving for equality in all fields. As they returned to Earth, they did so as pioneers, having etched their names in the history of space travel.
