By rikififi90 
A groundbreaking space mission is poised to make history Monday morning from the Texas desert. Blue Origin, the spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, will send six women to the edge of space aboard its New Shepard rocket. Among the passengers are global popstar Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, a former journalist and Bezos’ fiancée. Dubbed NS-31, the mission marks the first all-female crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963, when the Soviet cosmonaut became the first woman to venture into space.
Liftoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, or 10:30 a.m. Brasília time, from Blue Origin’s launch facility in Van Horn, Texas. The roughly 10-minute journey will take the passengers beyond the Kármán line, an internationally recognized boundary 100 kilometers above Earth that separates the atmosphere from outer space. During the flight, the crew will experience a few minutes of weightlessness before parachuting back to a gentle landing in the Texas desert.
Rounding out the crew are Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEMBoard founder, Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics researcher and civil rights activist, and Kerianne Flynn, a film producer known for documentaries. The mission not only showcases the diverse backgrounds of its passengers but also underscores Blue Origin’s growing role in the burgeoning space tourism industry.
- Star-studded crew: The mission brings together women from music, journalism, science, and film.
- Past flights: Blue Origin has previously flown celebrities like William Shatner and Michael Strahan.
- Fully autonomous: The New Shepard operates without a pilot onboard.
- Cultural milestone: The flight highlights female representation in space exploration.
A mission with historic weight
Fielding an all-female crew for NS-31 is more than a technical achievement; it’s a powerful symbol of progress in space exploration. Since Tereshkova’s pioneering flight over six decades ago, women have steadily gained ground in space missions, but an entirely female crew on a commercial flight is unprecedented in more than 60 years. Blue Origin emphasized that the mission aims to inspire future generations, particularly young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, collectively known as STEM.
Katy Perry, one of the most recognizable names onboard, is a global music icon with chart-topping hits like “Firework” and “Roar.” Beyond her artistic career, she serves as a UNICEF ambassador and founded the Firework Foundation, which supports children’s access to the arts. Her participation in the flight is framed as a chance to inspire her daughter and others to chase their dreams, no matter the barriers. Perry’s star power adds a layer of excitement to an already significant event.
Lauren Sánchez, who spearheaded the crew’s assembly, brings her own compelling story. An Emmy-winning journalist, licensed helicopter pilot, and founder of Black Ops Aviation, a company specializing in aerial film production, Sánchez is also the author of a children’s book, “The Fly Who Flew to Space.” The story follows a character overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness, mirroring her own journey. Her personal connection to Bezos does not overshadow her qualifications, which include years of work in aviation and philanthropy.
Rigorous preparation for the journey
The NS-31 passengers underwent intensive training to prepare for the unique demands of a suborbital flight. In the days leading up to launch, they gathered at the Van Horn facility for final preparations. Training included familiarization with the New Shepard capsule, fittings for custom spacesuits, and detailed simulations of the flight experience. Every aspect, from the placement of onboard cameras to communication protocols with ground control, was rehearsed to ensure safety and comfort.
Aisha Bowe, for instance, enhanced her physical readiness with simulations at the National Aerospace Training and Research Center, known as Nastar. She completed exercises mimicking the gravitational forces experienced during launch and reentry, and even planned a flight in a fighter jet to acclimate to extreme conditions. Her background as an aerospace engineer and former NASA scientist makes her one of the most technically prepared passengers, though she stressed the importance of training to align mind and body for the challenge.
Gayle King, co-host of “CBS Mornings,” incorporated meditation techniques to manage pre-flight nerves. Renowned for her storytelling and interviews, King plans to bring family photos and a special item from her grandson to symbolize her roots during the journey. Her participation reflects a personal milestone and a commitment to sharing the experience with her audience, amplifying the mission’s reach.
What to expect from the flight
The NS-31 mission will follow a well-tested flight profile. After liftoff, the New Shepard rocket will accelerate to over three times the speed of sound, roughly 2,300 miles per hour. About two and a half minutes into the flight, the crew capsule will separate from the booster, continuing its ascent past the Kármán line. At that altitude, the passengers will unbuckle to float freely, experiencing zero gravity for approximately four minutes while gazing at Earth’s curvature through large windows.
The reusable booster will autonomously land on a pad near the launch site, while the capsule descends under three parachutes for a soft touchdown in the desert. The entire process, from launch to landing, is managed by onboard computers, requiring no human pilot. This automation is a hallmark of the New Shepard, which has completed 30 missions, 10 of them with human crews.
- Blazing speed: The rocket reaches over 2,300 mph in minutes.
- Zero gravity: Passengers get about four minutes to float freely.
- Panoramic views: The capsule’s windows offer stunning vistas of Earth and space.
- Sustainability: The booster returns for reuse in future missions.
Meet the passengers
Amanda Nguyen, another crew member, is a standout in both science and activism. As a bioastronautics researcher, she contributed to NASA projects, including the space shuttle’s final mission and the Kepler telescope’s exoplanet hunt. Outside the lab, Nguyen is a tireless advocate for civil rights and will be the first Vietnamese woman to fly to space. She plans to carry seashells from a Malaysian island where her mother found refuge after Saigon’s fall, along with a handwritten note reading “Never give up.”
Kerianne Flynn, the crew’s film producer, brings an artistic perspective. Known for documentaries like “This Changes Everything,” which chronicles women’s history in Hollywood, Flynn is passionate about stories that break barriers. Her role in NS-31 aligns with that mission, offering a chance to showcase women’s potential in male-dominated fields. Flynn aims to use the experience to inspire youth through educational projects blending art and science.
Aisha Bowe carries cultural significance as the first Black woman to fly with Blue Origin. Her journey from aerospace engineer to entrepreneur has earned her accolades like the NASA Engineering Honor Award and the Black Enterprises Luminary Award. Bowe will bring a flag from the Apollo 12 mission, plant samples from Winston-Salem State University’s astrobotany lab, and dehydrated conch soup, a Bahamian dish tied to her heritage.
The rise of space tourism
Blue Origin has cemented its place as a leader in space tourism, rivaling companies like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX. Since the New Shepard’s first crewed flight in July 2021, which carried Jeff Bezos himself, the company has flown 52 people past the Kármán line. Each mission reinforces the feasibility of commercial space travel, a sector still largely exclusive but gaining global traction.
The cost of a New Shepard ticket remains undisclosed, though estimates place it in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite the steep price, demand appears strong, fueled by high-profile passengers who draw public attention. The inclusion of figures like Katy Perry and Gayle King in NS-31 is likely to further boost interest, particularly given the mission’s historic nature.
Beyond tourism, Blue Origin leverages the New Shepard for scientific experiments. Past flights have tested microgravity conditions for NASA, including lunar environment simulations. While NS-31 focuses on the human experience without scientific payloads, it highlights the system’s versatility, blending technical innovation with cultural impact.
How the mission came together
Planning for NS-31 began over two years ago when Lauren Sánchez envisioned an all-female crew. The selection process sought women with inspiring stories and diverse perspectives, resulting in a group that spans talent, grit, and shared purpose. The outcome is a crew that reflects a broad spectrum of achievements and aspirations.
Each passenger contributed something unique. Katy Perry plans to bring a living item, like a plant, to symbolize Earth’s fragility and importance. Gayle King chose personal mementos tying her journey to family, while Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen selected objects with cultural and historical weight. Kerianne Flynn sees the flight as a chance to capture visuals and narratives for global audiences.
Training, though concise, covered all facets of the experience. The crew learned to navigate the capsule, respond to ground control, and handle emergencies, such as using oxygen masks. Blue Origin prioritizes safety, and the New Shepard’s track record of 30 successful missions instills confidence.
Memorable New Shepard moments
The New Shepard program boasts a rich history. Named for Alan Shepard, the first American in space, the reusable system aims to lower costs and increase flight frequency. Since its debut, it has carried notable figures like William Shatner, who at 90 became the oldest person to reach space, and Laura Shepard Churchley, who honored her father’s legacy.
- First crewed flight: Jeff Bezos and three others crossed the Kármán line in July 2021.
- Age record: William Shatner flew at 90 in October 2021.
- Family tribute: Laura Shepard Churchley joined a 2021 mission.
- Technical recovery: After a 2022 failure, flights resumed in 2023.
Looking ahead
NS-31 is a stepping stone in Blue Origin’s broader quest to make space more accessible. Beyond New Shepard, the company is developing the New Glenn rocket for orbital missions, successfully tested in January this year. Capable of launching satellites and larger payloads, New Glenn positions Blue Origin to compete with SpaceX, particularly for NASA contracts and private ventures like Amazon’s Kuiper satellite constellation.
For the NS-31 crew, the focus remains on the moment. The chance to float in space, even briefly, promises to be life-changing. Each passenger plans to leverage the mission’s visibility to inspire others through music, journalism, science, or activism. Their diverse voices reinforce the idea that space, though still elite, holds potential for all.
The launch will be livestreamed starting at 7 a.m. Texas time, allowing viewers to follow every stage. The flight is expected to leave not just a technical legacy but a cultural one, proving that barriers, like gravity, can be overcome.
Mission highlights
- Personal items: Each passenger can carry up to 3 pounds of mementos, like photos or symbolic objects.
- Custom suits: Outfits were designed by Monse, blending style and function.
- Mission patch: The emblem features stars, microphones, and film reels, reflecting the crew.
- Global reach: Coverage is expected to reach millions worldwide.
A groundbreaking space mission is poised to make history Monday morning from the Texas desert. Blue Origin, the spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, will send six women to the edge of space aboard its New Shepard rocket. Among the passengers are global popstar Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, a former journalist and Bezos’ fiancée. Dubbed NS-31, the mission marks the first all-female crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963, when the Soviet cosmonaut became the first woman to venture into space.
Liftoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, or 10:30 a.m. Brasília time, from Blue Origin’s launch facility in Van Horn, Texas. The roughly 10-minute journey will take the passengers beyond the Kármán line, an internationally recognized boundary 100 kilometers above Earth that separates the atmosphere from outer space. During the flight, the crew will experience a few minutes of weightlessness before parachuting back to a gentle landing in the Texas desert.
Rounding out the crew are Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEMBoard founder, Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics researcher and civil rights activist, and Kerianne Flynn, a film producer known for documentaries. The mission not only showcases the diverse backgrounds of its passengers but also underscores Blue Origin’s growing role in the burgeoning space tourism industry.
- Star-studded crew: The mission brings together women from music, journalism, science, and film.
- Past flights: Blue Origin has previously flown celebrities like William Shatner and Michael Strahan.
- Fully autonomous: The New Shepard operates without a pilot onboard.
- Cultural milestone: The flight highlights female representation in space exploration.
A mission with historic weight
Fielding an all-female crew for NS-31 is more than a technical achievement; it’s a powerful symbol of progress in space exploration. Since Tereshkova’s pioneering flight over six decades ago, women have steadily gained ground in space missions, but an entirely female crew on a commercial flight is unprecedented in more than 60 years. Blue Origin emphasized that the mission aims to inspire future generations, particularly young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, collectively known as STEM.
Katy Perry, one of the most recognizable names onboard, is a global music icon with chart-topping hits like “Firework” and “Roar.” Beyond her artistic career, she serves as a UNICEF ambassador and founded the Firework Foundation, which supports children’s access to the arts. Her participation in the flight is framed as a chance to inspire her daughter and others to chase their dreams, no matter the barriers. Perry’s star power adds a layer of excitement to an already significant event.
Lauren Sánchez, who spearheaded the crew’s assembly, brings her own compelling story. An Emmy-winning journalist, licensed helicopter pilot, and founder of Black Ops Aviation, a company specializing in aerial film production, Sánchez is also the author of a children’s book, “The Fly Who Flew to Space.” The story follows a character overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness, mirroring her own journey. Her personal connection to Bezos does not overshadow her qualifications, which include years of work in aviation and philanthropy.
Rigorous preparation for the journey
The NS-31 passengers underwent intensive training to prepare for the unique demands of a suborbital flight. In the days leading up to launch, they gathered at the Van Horn facility for final preparations. Training included familiarization with the New Shepard capsule, fittings for custom spacesuits, and detailed simulations of the flight experience. Every aspect, from the placement of onboard cameras to communication protocols with ground control, was rehearsed to ensure safety and comfort.
Aisha Bowe, for instance, enhanced her physical readiness with simulations at the National Aerospace Training and Research Center, known as Nastar. She completed exercises mimicking the gravitational forces experienced during launch and reentry, and even planned a flight in a fighter jet to acclimate to extreme conditions. Her background as an aerospace engineer and former NASA scientist makes her one of the most technically prepared passengers, though she stressed the importance of training to align mind and body for the challenge.
Gayle King, co-host of “CBS Mornings,” incorporated meditation techniques to manage pre-flight nerves. Renowned for her storytelling and interviews, King plans to bring family photos and a special item from her grandson to symbolize her roots during the journey. Her participation reflects a personal milestone and a commitment to sharing the experience with her audience, amplifying the mission’s reach.
What to expect from the flight
The NS-31 mission will follow a well-tested flight profile. After liftoff, the New Shepard rocket will accelerate to over three times the speed of sound, roughly 2,300 miles per hour. About two and a half minutes into the flight, the crew capsule will separate from the booster, continuing its ascent past the Kármán line. At that altitude, the passengers will unbuckle to float freely, experiencing zero gravity for approximately four minutes while gazing at Earth’s curvature through large windows.
The reusable booster will autonomously land on a pad near the launch site, while the capsule descends under three parachutes for a soft touchdown in the desert. The entire process, from launch to landing, is managed by onboard computers, requiring no human pilot. This automation is a hallmark of the New Shepard, which has completed 30 missions, 10 of them with human crews.
- Blazing speed: The rocket reaches over 2,300 mph in minutes.
- Zero gravity: Passengers get about four minutes to float freely.
- Panoramic views: The capsule’s windows offer stunning vistas of Earth and space.
- Sustainability: The booster returns for reuse in future missions.
Meet the passengers
Amanda Nguyen, another crew member, is a standout in both science and activism. As a bioastronautics researcher, she contributed to NASA projects, including the space shuttle’s final mission and the Kepler telescope’s exoplanet hunt. Outside the lab, Nguyen is a tireless advocate for civil rights and will be the first Vietnamese woman to fly to space. She plans to carry seashells from a Malaysian island where her mother found refuge after Saigon’s fall, along with a handwritten note reading “Never give up.”
Kerianne Flynn, the crew’s film producer, brings an artistic perspective. Known for documentaries like “This Changes Everything,” which chronicles women’s history in Hollywood, Flynn is passionate about stories that break barriers. Her role in NS-31 aligns with that mission, offering a chance to showcase women’s potential in male-dominated fields. Flynn aims to use the experience to inspire youth through educational projects blending art and science.
Aisha Bowe carries cultural significance as the first Black woman to fly with Blue Origin. Her journey from aerospace engineer to entrepreneur has earned her accolades like the NASA Engineering Honor Award and the Black Enterprises Luminary Award. Bowe will bring a flag from the Apollo 12 mission, plant samples from Winston-Salem State University’s astrobotany lab, and dehydrated conch soup, a Bahamian dish tied to her heritage.
The rise of space tourism
Blue Origin has cemented its place as a leader in space tourism, rivaling companies like Virgin Galactic and SpaceX. Since the New Shepard’s first crewed flight in July 2021, which carried Jeff Bezos himself, the company has flown 52 people past the Kármán line. Each mission reinforces the feasibility of commercial space travel, a sector still largely exclusive but gaining global traction.
The cost of a New Shepard ticket remains undisclosed, though estimates place it in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite the steep price, demand appears strong, fueled by high-profile passengers who draw public attention. The inclusion of figures like Katy Perry and Gayle King in NS-31 is likely to further boost interest, particularly given the mission’s historic nature.
Beyond tourism, Blue Origin leverages the New Shepard for scientific experiments. Past flights have tested microgravity conditions for NASA, including lunar environment simulations. While NS-31 focuses on the human experience without scientific payloads, it highlights the system’s versatility, blending technical innovation with cultural impact.
How the mission came together
Planning for NS-31 began over two years ago when Lauren Sánchez envisioned an all-female crew. The selection process sought women with inspiring stories and diverse perspectives, resulting in a group that spans talent, grit, and shared purpose. The outcome is a crew that reflects a broad spectrum of achievements and aspirations.
Each passenger contributed something unique. Katy Perry plans to bring a living item, like a plant, to symbolize Earth’s fragility and importance. Gayle King chose personal mementos tying her journey to family, while Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen selected objects with cultural and historical weight. Kerianne Flynn sees the flight as a chance to capture visuals and narratives for global audiences.
Training, though concise, covered all facets of the experience. The crew learned to navigate the capsule, respond to ground control, and handle emergencies, such as using oxygen masks. Blue Origin prioritizes safety, and the New Shepard’s track record of 30 successful missions instills confidence.
Memorable New Shepard moments
The New Shepard program boasts a rich history. Named for Alan Shepard, the first American in space, the reusable system aims to lower costs and increase flight frequency. Since its debut, it has carried notable figures like William Shatner, who at 90 became the oldest person to reach space, and Laura Shepard Churchley, who honored her father’s legacy.
- First crewed flight: Jeff Bezos and three others crossed the Kármán line in July 2021.
- Age record: William Shatner flew at 90 in October 2021.
- Family tribute: Laura Shepard Churchley joined a 2021 mission.
- Technical recovery: After a 2022 failure, flights resumed in 2023.
Looking ahead
NS-31 is a stepping stone in Blue Origin’s broader quest to make space more accessible. Beyond New Shepard, the company is developing the New Glenn rocket for orbital missions, successfully tested in January this year. Capable of launching satellites and larger payloads, New Glenn positions Blue Origin to compete with SpaceX, particularly for NASA contracts and private ventures like Amazon’s Kuiper satellite constellation.
For the NS-31 crew, the focus remains on the moment. The chance to float in space, even briefly, promises to be life-changing. Each passenger plans to leverage the mission’s visibility to inspire others through music, journalism, science, or activism. Their diverse voices reinforce the idea that space, though still elite, holds potential for all.
The launch will be livestreamed starting at 7 a.m. Texas time, allowing viewers to follow every stage. The flight is expected to leave not just a technical legacy but a cultural one, proving that barriers, like gravity, can be overcome.
Mission highlights
- Personal items: Each passenger can carry up to 3 pounds of mementos, like photos or symbolic objects.
- Custom suits: Outfits were designed by Monse, blending style and function.
- Mission patch: The emblem features stars, microphones, and film reels, reflecting the crew.
- Global reach: Coverage is expected to reach millions worldwide.
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