Breaking: Blue Origin’s all-female crew completes historic Spaceflight

On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 mission achieved a historic milestone by launching the first all-female crew into space since 1963. The six-member team included pop star Katy Perry, journalist Lauren Sánchez, CBS host Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.

The suborbital flight, lasting approximately 11 minutes, lifted off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas. The spacecraft ascended over 62 miles above Earth, crossing the Kármán line—the internationally recognized boundary of space—allowing the crew to experience a brief period of weightlessness before safely returning to Earth.

Each crew member brought unique perspectives to the mission:​

• Katy Perry: The global pop icon expressed that the journey was about collective energy and making space for future women. She sang “What a Wonderful World” during the flight, emphasizing the mission’s broader significance.

• Lauren Sánchez: A journalist and pilot, Sánchez curated the crew, aiming to highlight diverse representation in space exploration.

• Gayle King: The veteran journalist overcame her fear of flying to participate in the mission, later describing the experience as peaceful and a reminder of the need for empathy on Earth.

• Aisha Bowe: A former NASA engineer and STEM advocate, Bowe became the first person of Bahamian descent to travel to space.

• Amanda Nguyen: A bioastronautics researcher and civil rights activist, Nguyen viewed the flight as a symbol of healing and became the first Vietnamese American woman in space.

• Kerianne Flynn: An independent film producer, Flynn’s participation aligned with her commitment to storytelling that challenges societal norms.

The mission was witnessed by notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey and Kris Jenner, underscoring its cultural significance. While some critics questioned the utility of such space tourism ventures, the crew emphasized the mission’s role in inspiring future generations and promoting inclusivity in space exploration.

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