- This spring, Katy Perry, Gayle King and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe will launch into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket as part of an all-female spaceflight. The mission also includes Lauren Sánchez, Amanda Nguyen and Kerianne Flynn.
- This historic mission will mark the first all-women crew to reach space since 1963, with an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line.
- The mission aims to inspire future generations of women in science, technology and space exploration, aligning with Blue Origin’s goal of empowering women in these fields.
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What do a pop superstar, a renowned journalist and a pioneering aerospace engineer have in common? They are all part of Blue Origin’s all-female spaceflight.
This spring, Katy Perry, Gayle King and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe will launch into space aboard Blue Origin’s fully-autonomous New Shepard rocket. The historic mission also includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, along with research scientist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
An all-female mission takes flight
Sánchez has been working toward this moment for years. In a 2023 interview with The Wall Street Journal, she first expressed excitement about leading an all-female space mission.
“It’s going to be women who are making a difference in the world, who are impactful, and who have a message to send,” Sánchez said.
This mission will mark the first all-women crew to reach space since 1963. The New Shepard rocket will take the team on an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
Sánchez and Perry’s friendship
Sánchez and Perry are more than just crew members. The two have been spotted together frequently, including on vacations and at high-profile celebrations.
In October 2024, Sánchez and Bezos attended Perry’s 40th birthday party in Italy. The group has also been seen at concerts and public events, strengthening their bond over the years.
Gayle King faces her fears
While some crew members are eager for the journey, King admitted she has some reservations.
King revealed her spot on the mission Thursday morning, Feb. 27. She explained that although she is afraid of rollercoasters and even flying, she sees this as an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone.
Aisha Bowe’s dream becomes reality
For Aisha Bowe, this trip is a career milestone. The former NASA rocket scientist has known about her spot on the crew since 2023. However, this will be her first personal flight to space.
Bowe has been vocal about her passion for inspiring young women in STEM. Her participation in this mission aligns with Blue Origin’s goal of empowering women in space exploration.
A mission to inspire
The all-female Blue Origin flight is scheduled for this spring. Though the journey will last only 11 minutes, its impact could inspire future generations of women in science, technology and space exploration.
