In a groundbreaking event, pop star Katy Perry, alongside a star-studded all-female crew, successfully completed a historic flight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The mission, which lasted approximately 11 minutes, marked the first all-female space crew in over six decades, soaring to the edge of space and back on April 14, 2025.
Key Takeaways
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Historic Flight: First all-female crew to reach space since 1963.
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Crew Members: Included Katy Perry, Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn.
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Flight Duration: Approximately 11 minutes, reaching over 62 miles above Earth.
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Celebrity Support: Friends and family, including Oprah Winfrey and members of the Kardashian-Jenner family, attended the launch.
Overview of Blue Origin’s New Shepard
The New Shepard spacecraft, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, is designed for suborbital flights. It consists of a reusable rocket and a crew capsule that can accommodate up to six passengers. The spacecraft is engineered to provide a safe and exhilarating experience, allowing passengers to witness breathtaking views of Earth from over 62 miles high.
Key Features of New Shepard
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Reusable Design: The rocket and capsule are designed to be reused multiple times, reducing costs and environmental impact.
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Autonomous Operation: The spacecraft operates without a pilot, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for passengers.
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Weightlessness Experience: Passengers enjoy a few minutes of weightlessness, a unique aspect of the flight.
The Crew and Their Mission
The mission, designated NS-31, featured a diverse group of women:
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Katy Perry – Pop artist and cultural icon.
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Gayle King – Co-host of “CBS Mornings” and journalist.
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Amanda Nguyen – Civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
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Aisha Bowe – Former NASA rocket scientist and entrepreneur.
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Kerianne Flynn – Filmmaker and advocate.
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Lauren Sánchez – Emmy-winning journalist and Bezos’s fiancée.
Launch Day Excitement
The launch took place at Blue Origin’s private facility in West Texas, with the crew departing in a convoy of trucks, waving to supporters. The rocket lifted off at 9:30 AM ET, reaching supersonic speeds and separating from its booster approximately three minutes into the flight.
Once the crew capsule reached its peak altitude, the women experienced a few minutes of weightlessness, allowing them to gaze at the breathtaking views of Earth and the moon. During this time, Perry sang “What a Wonderful World” to her fellow crew members, creating a memorable moment in space.
Reflections After Landing
Upon returning to Earth, the crew expressed their emotions and reflections on the experience. Perry, holding a daisy she brought as a tribute to her daughter, remarked, “I feel super connected to love. This experience has shown me how much love is inside of me.”
Gayle King, who had previously expressed her fears about flying, shared her joy and relief, stating, “I am glad I did it. I have no regrets.”
Lauren Sánchez described the experience as profound, noting the stark contrast between the vibrant Earth and the darkness of space. She humorously added, “I had to come back; I’m getting married!”
A Step Forward for Women in Space
This mission is a significant milestone in the ongoing journey toward gender equality in the space industry. The last all-female spaceflight occurred in 1963 with Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova. The successful completion of this mission highlights the progress made in recent years and serves as an inspiration for young women everywhere.
As the world watches the commercial space industry evolve, this flight stands as a testament to the capabilities and achievements of women in fields traditionally dominated by men. The crew’s journey not only pushed the boundaries of space exploration but also reinforced the message that dreams of reaching the stars are within everyone’s grasp, regardless of gender.
