Blue Origin launch Katy Perry and crew to space on a historic all-female spaceflight

On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket embarked on a historic journey, launching its eleventh human spaceflight, NS-31, with an all-female crew – a first in over six decades. The mission featured six trailblazing women: aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, journalist Gayle King, pop icon Katy Perry, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and pilot Lauren Sánchez, who also played a pivotal role in assembling the team. ​

Lifting off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas at 9:30 a.m. ET, the suborbital flight reached an altitude of approximately 106 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line—the recognized boundary of space. During the 10-minute and 21-second journey, the crew experienced several minutes of weightlessness, taking in breathtaking views of Earth and space. ​

This mission marked the first all-female spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo journey in 1963, symbolizing significant progress in gender representation within space exploration. The diverse backgrounds of the crew members – from science and activism to media and the arts – highlight the expanding inclusivity in the realm of space travel.​

Upon landing, the crew shared their profound experiences. Katy Perry sang „What a Wonderful World“ during the descent, expressing that the voyage was second only to motherhood in its impact. Amanda Nguyen described the flight as an emotional healing opportunity, while Gayle King emphasized the empowerment and importance of dreaming big. ​

The successful completion of NS-31 not only advances commercial space tourism but also serves as an inspiring milestone, encouraging future generations to envision themselves among the stars.​