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Katy Perry, Gayle King Join Blue Origin All-Women Voyage
Published On: April 13, 2025.
On Monday, April 14, 2025, Blue Origin is set to launch its NS-31 mission, marking a historic milestone as the first all-female crewed spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova's solo mission in 1963. This 11-minute suborbital journey aboard the New Shepard rocket will carry six accomplished women from diverse backgrounds to the edge of space and back.
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Meet the Trailblazing Crew
The NS-31 mission brings together a remarkable group of women:
- Lauren Sánchez: A licensed pilot, journalist, and philanthropist, Sánchez is also known for her engagement to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She leads this mission, aiming to inspire future generations through this groundbreaking endeavor
- Katy Perry: The global pop superstar and advocate for women's empowerment joins the flight to fulfill a lifelong dream and is rumored to be the first artist to sing in space.
- Gayle King: Veteran journalist and co-host of "CBS Mornings," King embraces this opportunity to step out of her comfort zone, expressing both excitement and nervousness about the journey
- Aisha Bowe: A former NASA aerospace engineer and founder of STEMBoard, Bowe will become the first Bahamian-American woman to travel to space, aiming to inspire underrepresented youth in STEM fields
- Amanda Nguyen: A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and civil rights activist, Nguyen's inclusion is vital for the mission's emphasis on diversity and representation
- Kerianne Flynn: An independent film producer known for works like "This Changes Everything," Flynn brings her passion for storytelling and advocacy to the mission
Mission Details
The New Shepard rocket is scheduled to launch from Blue Origin's Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas, at 9:30 AM EDT (1:30 PM UTC). The flight will reach an altitude of approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers), surpassing the Kármán line—the internationally recognized boundary of space. During the brief journey, the crew will experience a few minutes of weightlessness before returning to Earth.
How to Watch
Space enthusiasts and supporters can witness this historic event through multiple platforms:
- Blue Origin's Official Channels: Live coverage will begin at 7:00 AM EDT on BlueOrigin.com, as well as on their YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.
- CBS News: "CBS Mornings" will provide special coverage titled "GAYLE GOES TO SPACE" from 9:00 to 10:00 AM EDT, available on CBS, CBS News 24/7, and Paramount+
Significance of the Mission
This groundbreaking journey brings together six remarkable women—pop icon Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, and pilot Lauren Sánchez—each bringing their unique stories and passions to the edge of space.
For Katy Perry, this voyage is deeply personal. As a mother, she hopes her journey will inspire her daughter, Daisy, and young girls everywhere to dream without limits. "I'm flying for my daughter... to show her that any type of person can reach their dreams," Perry shared.
The crew's preparation has been as multifaceted as their backgrounds. From zero-gravity simulations to capsule familiarization, they've embraced the technical challenges with enthusiasm. Yet, they've also brought their personal flair, discussing everything from space-themed playlists to the possibility of singing in space. Perry even joked about performing her hit "E.T." during the flight.
Beyond the glamour and excitement, the NS-31 mission carries a profound message: space is for everyone. By showcasing a diverse, all-female crew, Blue Origin aims to inspire future generations to see themselves among the stars, breaking down barriers and redefining what's possible.