On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket is set to make history by launching an all-female crew into space for the first time in over six decades. The mission, designated NS-31, will take off from Blue Origin's Launch Site One in West Texas, with a launch window opening at 13:30 UTC (8:30 AM local time). This flight marks the 11th crewed journey for the New Shepard spacecraft, which is designed for suborbital space tourism.
The six remarkable women aboard this historic flight include pop superstar Katy Perry, journalist and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyễn, CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, former NASA scientist and entrepreneur Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. Each of these women brings her own unique story and mission to this groundbreaking event.
The NS-31 mission is not just a flight; it symbolizes a significant step forward in women's representation in space. Historically, only about 15% of the over 700 individuals who have traveled to space have been women. This mission aims to inspire future generations and challenge the status quo in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Blue Origin, founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, has been at the forefront of the burgeoning space tourism industry. The New Shepard rocket is fully autonomous, meaning it requires no pilot on board, and can reach altitudes of over 100 kilometers (62 miles), crossing the Kármán line, which is widely recognized as the boundary of space. The flight will last approximately 11 minutes, during which the crew will experience about four minutes of weightlessness.
Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket system has been developed with sustainability in mind. Its BE-3PM engine runs on liquid oxygen and hydrogen, producing water vapor instead of carbon emissions during flight. In fact, nearly 99% of the rocket’s dry mass is reusable, including the booster and capsule, which can be reused up to 25 times with minimal refurbishment. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of space travel but also lowers the cost of launching missions.
As the launch date approaches, excitement is building. Perry, who has long dreamt of going to space, expressed her enthusiasm on social media, stating, “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!”
Each crew member has undergone extensive training in preparation for the flight. They practiced how to enter and exit the New Shepard capsule, as well as safety protocols for the weightless environment they will encounter. Gayle King, who admitted to feeling nervous about the journey, stated, “I’m really psyched about it. The obvious: You just don’t want anything to go wrong.”
Lauren Sánchez, who organized the mission, is not only Bezos’s fiancée but also a pilot and journalist. She has designed new flight suits for the crew, aiming for a look that combines elegance with functionality. Sánchez shared her excitement about the mission, stating, “I feel like something bigger than me is steering the ship.”
Amanda Nguyễn, who will become the first Vietnamese woman to fly to space, is a civil rights activist known for her advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. She has made significant contributions to legislation protecting survivors and was named Woman of the Year by Time in 2022. Her journey to space is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, who is also the CEO of STEMBoard, expressed her commitment to inspiring young people, particularly those who feel overlooked. She wrote on social media, “This mission isn’t only about my journey, it’s for every kid who’s been told they don’t belong, who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated.”
Filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, who has produced several independent films, shared her passion for space, recalling childhood moments spent looking up at the stars with her grandfather. She is excited to be part of this historic crew, stating, “It felt like something that was attainable.”
The mission has garnered significant attention, not only for its all-female crew but also for the broader implications it has for the future of space exploration. Critics have pointed out the stark contrast between the high cost of space tourism and the pressing issues faced by many on Earth. Actress Olivia Munn voiced her concerns, questioning the necessity of such missions when there are pressing needs on our planet. “If you want to go to space, why do you need to tell us about it?” she asked during a recent interview.
However, supporters argue that missions like NS-31 can inspire future generations and contribute to the democratization of space travel. Blue Origin has stated that their goal is to pave the way for everyday people to experience space flight, not just government-trained astronauts.
The launch of the NS-31 mission is set to be broadcast live, with coverage beginning at 8 AM ET (7 AM CT) on April 14. Viewers can tune in to witness this historic event as these six women embark on their journey to the edge of space, marking a new chapter in the story of human exploration.
As the world watches, the NS-31 mission stands as a powerful reminder of the strides being made toward gender equality in fields once thought unattainable for women. The crew's journey is not just about reaching the stars but also about inspiring a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can reach for their dreams.
