Blue Origin’s latest spaceflight made history on Monday with an all-female crew. The flight, named NS-31, marked the 11th human mission for Jeff Bezos’s space tourism company. Six women, including TV host Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, embarked on a suborbital journey to the edge of space. The mission took place from Van Horn, Texas, where the crew experienced weightlessness before safely returning to Earth.
Historic All-Female Crew
On Monday, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket launched with a groundbreaking all-female team. The mission, NS-31, was the 11th crewed flight for the space tourism company. The crew members included aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, activist Amanda Nguyen, CBS Mornings host Gayle King, singer Katy Perry, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez, who is an author, TV host, and the fiancée of Jeff Bezos.
The crew boarded the rocket in Van Horn, Texas, and embarked on a journey that lasted just over 10 minutes. The New Shepard rocket carried the women beyond the Kármán line, which is considered by many as the edge of space, at 62 miles above Earth. During the brief flight, the crew experienced a few minutes of weightlessness before safely returning to Earth in a capsule equipped with three parachutes to ensure a soft landing.
The Flight Experience
As the rocket ascended into the sky, the crew was able to view the curvature of the Earth. The moment they crossed the Kármán line, they were in space for a short time before the descent began. Despite the brief duration of the flight, the crew members experienced a unique perspective that left a lasting impression.
“Earth looked so – it was so quiet. It was just quiet,” said Lauren Sánchez, who was visibly emotional upon landing. Sánchez described the experience as life-changing, adding, “I will never be the same.” The flight marked an important milestone not only for Blue Origin but also for the women on board, who represented different fields and backgrounds.
Emotional Reactions from the Crew
Upon returning to Earth, the crew members shared their emotional reactions to the historic flight. Aisha Bowe, an aerospace engineer, expressed how the flight expanded her worldview: “There’s no boundaries, no border. There’s just Earth.” Amanda Nguyen, an activist and rape survivor, brought a personal reminder with her — a hospital bracelet she wore after the assault. She used the bracelet as a symbol to inspire others to “never, never give up.”
Gayle King and Katy Perry shared special moments after the flight. Perry kissed the ground in gratitude and held up a daisy she had brought in honor of her 4-year-old daughter, Daisy. “This experience is second to being a mom,” Perry remarked, reflecting on the emotional impact of the flight. Before their descent, Perry also sang “What a Wonderful World” in the capsule, a moment she described as unforgettable.
What’s Next for Blue Origin
The successful mission highlights Blue Origin’s commitment to expanding space tourism and pushing boundaries for private space exploration. Jeff Bezos’s company has been at the forefront of commercial spaceflights, with this being their latest step toward making space more accessible to people from all walks of life. This all-female crew is yet another milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in space travel.
As space tourism continues to grow, future missions will likely feature more diverse crews and increasingly innovative technologies. Blue Origin’s success in sending civilians to space is a sign of the exciting times ahead in commercial space exploration.
