Katy Perry etched her name in history by joining the first all-female space mission since 1963, launched by Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos. The flight, designated NS-31, lifted off on Monday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. from Launch Site One in Texas, United States, carrying six women past the Kármán Line, 100 kilometers above Earth, the boundary between the atmosphere and outer space. During the 11-minute mission, Perry captivated audiences by singing a portion of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” while floating in microgravity, a moment that blended art with scientific exploration. Broadcast live on Blue Origin’s social media, the mission drew millions of viewers worldwide, underscoring the growing prominence of space tourism and the vital role of women in space exploration. Alongside Perry, the crew featured journalist Lauren Sánchez, broadcaster Gayle King, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, researcher Amanda Nguyen, and producer Kerianne Flynn, each bringing a distinct perspective to the endeavor. The suborbital flight, powered by the New Shepard rocket, reached speeds exceeding three times the speed of sound, offering about four minutes of weightlessness during which the passengers marveled at Earth from a rare vantage point.
The NS-31 mission marked the 31st flight of the New Shepard rocket and its 11th with human passengers, solidifying Blue Origin’s status as a leader in space tourism. Since its first crewed flight in July 2021, the company has carried 52 individuals to space, including notable figures like actor William Shatner and Brazilian engineer Victor Hespanha. The decision to field an all-female crew highlighted Blue Origin’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, echoing the legacy of Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to travel to space in a solo Soviet mission.
For Katy Perry, the journey fulfilled a nearly two-decade-long dream. The pop star, celebrated for chart-toppers like “Firework” and “Roar,” shared that she had pursued a chance to travel to space since commercial flights became a reality. Her participation, alongside other accomplished women, amplified the mission’s significance, blending cultural influence with scientific ambition.
Profiles of the crew
The NS-31 crew comprised women from varied fields, showcasing a rich tapestry of talent. Katy Perry, with over 115 billion streams and a global music career, brought unparalleled visibility, while Lauren Sánchez, an Emmy-winning journalist and Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, contributed her expertise in aviation and media.
Gayle King, co-host of CBS Mornings and editor of Oprah Winfrey’s O magazine, offered a journalistic lens, sharing glimpses of the preparation with her audience. Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and founder of STEMBoard, embodied technological innovation, while Amanda Nguyen, a Harvard-trained bioastronautics researcher and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, stood out for her social activism. Kerianne Flynn, a film producer and philanthropist, rounded out the group, known for projects like the documentary “This Changes Everything.”
- Katy Perry: Global pop icon and UNICEF ambassador.
- Lauren Sánchez: Journalist, pilot, and founder of Black Ops Aviation.
- Gayle King: CBS Mornings co-host and O magazine editor.
- Aisha Bowe: Former NASA scientist and STEMBoard CEO.
- Amanda Nguyen: Bioastronautics researcher and activist.
- Kerianne Flynn: Film producer and philanthropist.
What an amazing crew! Great flight this morning. pic.twitter.com/4h5fNGpRRO
— Dave Limp (@davill) April 14, 2025
Training for the mission
In the weeks leading up to the launch, the six women underwent rigorous training at the Astronaut Village in Texas. The program covered safety protocols, communication with mission control, and acclimation to microgravity, though the New Shepard is fully autonomous, requiring no piloting from passengers.
Training sessions included briefings on the capsule’s equipment, such as the placement of emergency tools and the use of individual windows offering panoramic views. The crew practiced simulations to adapt to weightlessness and learned to navigate the capsule’s compact, circular interior, designed for six occupants.
The group bonded during the process, sharing moments of excitement and anticipation. Katy Perry posted photos holding a model of the rocket, while Amanda Nguyen was visibly moved when she first donned her astronaut suit. Their camaraderie strengthened the mission’s message of empowerment and unity.
How a suborbital flight works
The NS-31 mission relied on the New Shepard rocket, engineered for suborbital flights that cross the Kármán Line without entering Earth’s orbit. The reusable vehicle, powered by a BE-3PM engine running on liquid oxygen and hydrogen, is central to Blue Origin’s vision of accessible space travel.
After liftoff, the rocket accelerates to over 3,000 km/h, reaching its peak altitude in roughly two minutes. The passenger capsule then detaches from the booster, allowing the crew to experience four minutes of weightlessness before beginning the descent. The capsule lands gently with parachutes, touching down in the Texas desert.
The New Shepard’s reusable design lowers mission costs, with the booster, capsule, and parachutes recovered for future flights. Since its crewed debut in 2021, the rocket has completed 11 passenger missions, carrying celebrities and private citizens alike.
Key milestones of NS-31
The mission followed a precise timeline, culminating in the April 14 launch. Below are the main stages:
- Crew announcement: February 27, 2025.
- Launch date reveal: March 27, 2025.
- Training start: April 2025, at Astronaut Village, Texas.
- Launch: April 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. (Brasília time).
- Flight duration: Approximately 11 minutes, including 4 minutes of weightlessness.
- Live broadcast: Streamed on Blue Origin’s social media platforms.
The springtime launch capitalized on favorable weather in Texas. Family and friends, including actor Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry’s husband, and broadcaster Oprah Winfrey, a friend of Gayle King, gathered to witness the event, adding a personal touch to the occasion.
Cultural and scientific impact
Katy Perry’s involvement lent a pop culture flair to the mission, drawing in viewers who might not typically follow space news. Her rendition of “What a Wonderful World” during the flight, shared live, became a viral moment, symbolizing unity and awe at Earth’s beauty.
Beyond its cultural resonance, the mission underscored the value of diversity in science and technology. Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen, with their ties to space research, highlighted women’s contributions to STEM fields. Bowe, a global advocate for STEM education, and Nguyen, a former NASA collaborator, inspired new generations to pursue space-related careers.
Blue Origin leveraged the mission to advance its goal of democratizing space. Since Jeff Bezos’ flight in 2021, the company has paired reusable technology with high-profile partnerships to broaden the appeal of space tourism, positioning itself against competitors like Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Blue Origin’s journey
Founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin aims to make space travel affordable through innovation. The New Shepard, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, is its flagship for suborbital missions, designed to carry up to six passengers.
The company faced setbacks, notably a failed uncrewed flight in September 2022, halting operations for nearly two years. Its return in May 2024, with six space tourists, marked a turning point. Blue Origin has since flown figures like William Shatner, who at 90 became the oldest person in space, and Victor Hespanha, Brazil’s second space traveler.
The company is now scaling up with the New Glenn rocket, aimed at orbital missions and satellite launches, challenging SpaceX’s dominance. The NS-31 mission reaffirmed the New Shepard’s reliability for tourism, with a focus on inclusivity.
- First crewed flight: July 2021, with Jeff Bezos.
- Total passengers: 52 by April 2025.
- New Shepard missions: 31, with 11 crewed.
- 2022 setback: Resolved by 2024.
Life in microgravity
During the four-minute weightless phase, the crew unbuckled and floated freely, using their personal windows to gaze at Earth’s curvature against the black void. Katy Perry called the experience “beyond words,” struck by the planet’s fragility and beauty.
Lauren Sánchez brought a plush toy inspired by her children’s book “The Fly Who Flew to Space,” aiming to spark curiosity in young readers. Gayle King said the flight deepened her appreciation for science, while Aisha Bowe saw it as a chance to motivate youth in STEM fields.
The descent, cushioned by parachutes, was met with cheers. Katy Perry kissed the ground upon landing, a gesture of gratitude, as the crew was greeted by applause from loved ones and Blue Origin staff.
Symbolism of the mission
An all-female crew harkened back to Valentina Tereshkova’s 1963 solo flight, a rare precedent for women-only missions. The NS-31 flight stood out as a milestone in commercial space exploration, celebrating female achievement across disciplines.
The mission patch, unveiled in March, featured personalized symbols: fireworks for Perry, a propeller for Sánchez, a camera for King, a rocket for Bowe, a star for Nguyen, and a clapperboard for Flynn. These icons captured their identities and contributions.
The flight also amplified social causes. Amanda Nguyen, an advocate for survivors of sexual violence, used the platform to promote resilience, while Kerianne Flynn emphasized her philanthropy, inspiring her son and others to dream big.
The future of space tourism
Blue Origin plans to ramp up suborbital flights, aiming to make space accessible to a broader audience. The NS-31 mission’s success signals the maturing space tourism industry, with potential to include not just celebrities but researchers and everyday citizens.
The company is also eyeing lunar exploration with the New Glenn rocket, tested successfully for orbital missions. This positions Blue Origin as a key player in aerospace, with ambitions beyond tourism.
For the NS-31 crew, the flight was a legacy-defining moment. Katy Perry hoped her daughter, Daisy, and other children would be inspired to “reach for the stars,” while Lauren Sánchez reaffirmed her commitment to environmental education through the Bezos Earth Fund.
Women’s legacy in space
Female astronauts like Sally Ride, the first American woman in space in 1983, and Peggy Whitson, who logged the most time in orbit, paved the way for missions like NS-31. Their work challenged barriers in a male-dominated field.
The NS-31 crew showed that space is no longer reserved for scientists and soldiers. Including figures like Perry and King bridged art, media, and science, crafting a more inclusive narrative.
The mission sparked conversations about gender equality. In an industry long led by men, six women in one flight broke stereotypes, encouraging more women to pursue roles in aerospace, from engineering to outreach.
New Shepard’s technical specs
The New Shepard is an engineering marvel built for safety and efficiency. Standing 18 meters tall, it uses a carbon-neutral engine producing water vapor. The six-seat capsule boasts large windows for unobstructed views.
Fully autonomous, the rocket is controlled from the ground, freeing passengers to focus on the experience. After 16 successful uncrewed flights, it was cleared for human missions in 2021, proving its dependability.
The NS-31 mission showcased reusable technology. Both the booster and capsule were recovered post-flight, ready for reuse, highlighting the sustainability of Blue Origin’s approach.
- Rocket height: 18 meters.
- Top speed: Over 3,000 km/h.
- Weightless duration: About 4 minutes.
- Landing: Capsule via parachutes, booster via vertical descent.
Public response
The live broadcast drew a global audience, with Katy Perry’s performance trending online. Fans praised her bravery, while space enthusiasts lauded the crew’s diversity.
High-profile guests like Oprah Winfrey and Kris Jenner at the launch site added buzz, but the mission’s scientific weight shone through. Photos of the crew graced magazines like Elle, cementing its cultural impact.
The flight inspired educators, who used it to engage students, and STEM organizations, which hailed Bowe and Nguyen as role models for women in science.
