Katy Perry is set to make history as she prepares to join the first all-female crew on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. This extraordinary mission is scheduled for spring 2025, and it marks the first time since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963, women will lead the charge to space.
Perry, known for her chart-topping hits and stunning performances, will share the spacecraft with other trailblazing women. Key figures on this mission include Lauren Sánchez, Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos’s fiancé, CBS anchor Gayle King, research scientist and activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe. It's no surprise this all-female crew is being highlighted as it symbolizes monumental progress for women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
According to Blue Origin, the mission will be designated NS-31, which will make it their 11th human spaceflight. Since launching its first crewed mission, Blue Origin has sent 52 individuals to suborbital space aboard the New Shepard rocket, which is notable for its fully autonomous operation. The missions typically last approximately 10 to 11 minutes, taking passengers beyond the Kármán line – the boundary of outer space located 100 kilometers above sea level.
This ambitious endeavor first came to light after Lauren Sánchez discussed her vision for leading an all-women crew on one of Blue Origin’s flights back in 2023. Blue Origin reiterated Sánchez's role, emphasizing her commitment to implement this groundbreaking mission, aimed at challenging the perceptions of Earth and creating inspirational impacts for future generations.
Perry expressed immense excitement about the opportunity, stating, “If you had told me I’d be part of the first all-female crew in space, I would have believed you. Nothing was beyond my imagination as a child.” This sentiment captures not only her enthusiasm but also the significance of this mission for girls and women aspiring to follow similar paths.
Further solidifying the importance of this mission is Amanda Nguyen, who has been recognized not only for her scientific contributions but also for her advocacy work, for which she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Blue Origin highlighted Nguyen as the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman astronaut, declaring her flight “a symbol of reconciliation between the US and Vietnam, and will highlight science as a tool for peace.”
The historical significance of this mission binds it to the larger narrative of women advancing within aerospace fields. NASA has selected 61 women as astronauts since its inception, but the increase of women traveling to space showcases the growth of commercial space tourism. Just last November, TV host and engineer Emily Calandrelli became the 100th woman to reach space on Blue Origin’s flight.
Perry’s selection for the crew also aligns with her personal dedication to inspiring her daughter, Daisy, whom she shares with actor Orlando Bloom. She hopes her space adventure will encourage her daughter and others to “reach for the stars, literally and figuratively.” The endeavor reflects the dreams of many women and girls everywhere, aspiring toward ambitious careers spanning science, technology, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard missions involve launching from their site located in West Texas. Each flight, though lasting only minutes, affords passengers moments of microgravity and breathtaking views of our planet. The imagery captured during such flights can be transformative for those aboard, offering life-changing experiences and perspectives on Earth.
Although the exact launch date hasn’t been confirmed, preparations are well underway for this mission. With concert-goers eagerly anticipating Perry’s Lifetimes Tour, running from April 23 to November 11, 2025, the mission is set to precede her tour and add another dimension to her multifaceted career.
This historic expedition reinforces the notion of female-led exploration no longer being the exception. A resurgence of female participation was marked by NASA's first all-female spacewalk conducted by astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir outside the International Space Station. The upcoming mission with Perry and her fellow crew members promises to embody the spirit of such milestones and celebrates the growing visibility of female astronauts.
With Jeff Bezos behind the wheel of Blue Origin, his commitment to space travel drives the mission and shapes its operational framework, enabling citizens from all walks of life to explore the cosmos. While Bezos dreams of achieving monumental feats, he also champions the integration of diverse voices within the space sector, affirmatively pushing for inclusivity.
Overall, Katy Perry’s participation signifies not just personal achievement from her illustrious music career, but also the broader progress of women taking part in space exploration. With remarkable developments flowing through commercial space travel, the world watches to see what this crew’s voyage will unravel.
Space tourism holds great potential moving forward, and this all-female flight will set new standards—one filled with determination, hope, and exploration. The future of space is bright, and as this mission prepares to launch, one thing is for certain: the stars might be closer than we ever thought possible.