Today (April 14, 2025), Blue Origin is set to make history with its NS-31 mission—the first all-female crewed spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova's solo mission in 1963. Among the six women aboard the New Shepard rocket is pop icon Katy Perry, who joins journalist Gayle King, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, and entrepreneur Lauren Sánchez, who organized the mission.

Founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, Blue Origin aims to make space more accessible and sustainable through reusable rocket technology. The company’s New Shepard rocket, designed for suborbital tourism, has completed over 30 missions. NS-31 marks its 11th human flight . The mission will launch from West Texas, reaching approximately 100 kilometers above Earth, offering passengers a few minutes of weightlessness before returning via parachute.

Each crew member brings a unique background:​

• Katy Perry: The global pop star has expressed her excitement about the mission, stating, "I've dreamt of going to space for 15 years and tomorrow that dream becomes a reality."

• Aisha Bowe: A former NASA engineer and CEO of STEMBoard, Bowe is the first person of Bahamian descent to travel to space.

• Amanda Nguyen: A civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Nguyen has been a leading voice for survivors of sexual violence.

• Gayle King: The CBS news anchor brings her journalistic perspective to the mission, highlighting the importance of storytelling in space exploration.​

• Kerianne Flynn: A filmmaker passionate about storytelling, Flynn aims to capture the essence of the journey for future generations.

• Lauren Sánchez: An entrepreneur and pilot, Sánchez organized the mission to inspire young girls and promote diversity in space travel.​

The crew's custom-designed flight suits, created by fashion house Monse, combine functionality with style, reflecting the mission's blend of science and culture.

While the mission celebrates female representation in space, it has also faced criticism. Some view it as a display of wealth, questioning the value of brief suborbital flights. However, supporters argue that such missions can inspire future generations and promote diversity in STEM fields.

Blue Origin's focus on reusable rocket technology aims to reduce the environmental footprint of space travel. The New Shepard rocket is designed for multiple uses, aligning with the company's sustainability goals.

The NS-31 mission represents a significant step toward inclusive space exploration. By featuring an all-female crew from diverse backgrounds, Blue Origin highlights the importance of representation in the final frontier. As the world watches this historic flight, it serves as a reminder that space is for everyone.