Pop star Katy Perry is set to make history as part of the first all-women flight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. This groundbreaking mission, taking place sometime this spring, will include notable figures such as Lauren Sanchez, fiancé of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos; CBS Mornings host Gayle King; former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe; civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen; and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
With this mission, Blue Origin aims to inspire and empower women, reminiscent of Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight, which was the last all-female space mission back in 1963. “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,” said Katy Perry, reflecting her anticipation and pride for this significant event.
The launch is planned from Blue Origin’s facility located in Van Horn, Texas. It will be the 11th human spaceflight for the New Shepard program, following Bezos’ own trip to space back in July 2021. The crew will experience approximately 11 minutes of weightlessness, reaching the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, which lies about 62 miles above the Earth’s surface.
Lauren Sanchez played a pivotal role in assembling this remarkable team of women. She expressed her feelings about the mission and its message: “I can’t believe it’s happening. My dad used to teach people how to fly, and I used to hang around the hanger and I thought dreaming of becoming a pilot was a huge deal, and this is even bigger.” Sanchez aims for this flight, not just to be transformational for the crew but also as inspiration to countless people hearing their stories.
Gayle King, another prominent figure on this flight, shared her mixed emotions during the announcement, likening the experience to the apprehension and excitement of giving birth. “This was never my dream...maybe you need to have new dreams, Gayle,” she recalled during her segment on CBS Mornings, which indicated the surreal but thrilling experience she anticipates. Prior to her decision, she consulted with friends, including Oprah Winfrey, who encouraged her to take this leap of faith, saying she would regret missing this opportunity.
With Blue Origin embarking on this historic mission, it aligns with their broader vision of making space accessible to everyone. The NS-31 mission not only highlights the achievements of women across various fields but also aims to address stereotypes about women and space exploration. Sanchez described the crew as “explorers and storytellers,” emphasizing the mission's goal to create lasting impact and inspire future generations.
The team’s compositions also include talent and experience from various sectors. Aisha Bowe is recognized for her work as a rocket scientist, and Amanda Nguyen, as a civil rights activist, has been instrumental in advocacy for survivors of sexual violence. These women exemplify the diverse backgrounds and expertise adding depth to this mission.
This mission will reflect on society’s progress on gender equality, as Blue Origin’s initiative opens doors to broader participation for women. Perry, who aims to inspire her daughter and others, views this flight as not just personal achievement but also as part of something much larger. She remarked how this embodies the idea of women reaching for the stars, literally and figuratively.
Notably, Blue Origin has shifted the narrative surrounding space travel, marking this year with the launch of various celebrity trips. This mission follows closely on the heels of earlier achievements, with Jeff Bezos and high-profile figures like William Shatner riding on Blue Origin flights, thereby popularizing commercial space travel.
The trip, which is being closely monitored, will undoubtedly become part of space exploration history thanks to its unique focus on female pioneers. With the world increasingly eager to witness developments and breakthroughs, this flight is expected to challenge societal perceptions of women's roles and capabilities.
With the countdown to launch beginning, excitement is high, and the world watches. “The countdown starts now! #takingupspace,” Sanchez noted on her social media. This hashtag signifies not just their venture but also the message of empowerment and inspiration they aim to spread.
The blend of entertainment and space exploration continues to fascinate and draw public interest, contributing to a narrative where space is increasingly becoming accessible beyond traditional astronauts. This upcoming flight featuring notable female figures positions itself at the intersection of science, storytelling, and advocacy.
Fans of Katy Perry and observers of the space industry are poised for this thrilling mission as these extraordinary women prepare to make their mark, paving the way for future endeavors and challenges. Anticipation builds as we await the launch—a pivotal moment marking not just personal achievements, but strides toward breaking barriers and shaping future generations’ dreams.