A groundbreaking all-female space mission is set to launch today from Blue Origin’s facility in West Texas, marking a historic moment as the first women-only crew since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963. The NS-31 mission, representing Blue Origin’s 31st New Shepard flight and 11th crewed mission, will carry six prominent women including pop icon Katy Perry and CBS Morning’s co-host Gayle King.
The crew, personally selected by Lauren Sanchez, fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, also includes former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. The mission aims to inspire young women and promote STEM education while conducting scientific research during the approximately 11-minute suborbital journey.
The flight is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. CT, with the crew donning specially designed neoprene flight suits for their journey beyond the Karman Line – the internationally recognized boundary of space at 62 miles above Earth. During the mission, passengers will experience weightlessness and observe Earth from a unique vantage point before returning via parachute-assisted landing in the Texas desert.
Bowe, CEO of STEMBoard and founder of LINGO, will conduct three research experiments focusing on plant biology and human physiology. Nguyen, recognized as a TIME Woman of the Year in 2022, will make history as the first Vietnamese-born woman to travel to space. The mission will also transport postcards from students worldwide as part of Blue Origin’s Club for the Future educational initiative.
The launch has generated significant social media attention, with crew members sharing their preparations on Instagram. However, it has also faced criticism from some who view it as a celebrity stunt, with New York Times columnist Jessica Grose expressing concerns about the mission’s timing coinciding with NASA’s recent dismissal of its chief scientist and cuts to girls’ STEM programs.
Following the established format of previous Blue Origin flights, the New Shepard rocket will separate from the crew capsule at peak altitude. While the capsule continues its journey into space, the hydrogen-powered booster will execute an autonomous landing near the launch site.
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp has indicated that while ticket prices remain substantial, the New Shepard program is expected to become a profitable venture for the company. This mission adds to Blue Origin’s growing list of space tourism achievements, having previously carried 52 individuals to space since 2021, including four who have completed two trips.
The mission represents a significant milestone in private space travel and women’s participation in space exploration. Each crew member brings unique expertise and influence to the flight: Perry’s global reach as a philanthropist and artist, King’s media presence, Bowe’s STEM advocacy, Nguyen’s scientific research background, Flynn’s work in community building, and Sanchez’s vision for promoting women’s achievements in space.
The crew’s diverse backgrounds align with Sanchez’s stated goal of assembling women who are making meaningful contributions to society and can share important messages with the world. As King emphasized on CBS, the mission transcends mere space tourism, representing broader implications for women’s advancement and environmental awareness through space exploration.
Blue Origin plans to broadcast the launch live on its website, allowing viewers worldwide to witness this historic mission that combines celebrity influence with scientific research and educational outreach.