Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, has announced an inspiring and historic mission for its next flight: an all-women crew will soar into space in the spring of 2025. The NS-31 mission, set to be the 11th human flight for Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, will carry six exceptional women on a journey that promises to challenge their perspectives, empower them to share their stories, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Among the crew are singer Katy Perry, “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez—Jeff Bezos’ fiancée and a renowned journalist—and three other trailblazers: Bahamian-American aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
Lauren Sánchez, who is credited with bringing this mission together, will lead the team. Sánchez is a woman of many talents and achievements, described by Blue Origin as an Emmy Award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author, pilot, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the Vice Chairperson of the Bezos Earth Fund. Her leadership and vision for this mission are clear: to create an experience that inspires and empowers. The flight will not only be a milestone for Blue Origin but also a celebration of women’s contributions to exploration, science, and society. This will be the first all-female crew to venture into space since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova made history in 1963 with her solo mission, marking a significant step forward in Representation for women in space exploration.
Gayle King, a beloved television personality, expressed her mix of excitement and nervousness as she announced her participation on “CBS Mornings.” The 70-year-old broadcaster compared her feelings to those of expectant parents preparing for the arrival of a child—terrified yet thrilled. King shared that she sought advice from her children and her close friend and business partner, Oprah Winfrey, before making the decision to join the mission. Her presence on the crew highlights the power of curiosity and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone, even at an advanced age. King’s enthusiasm is contagious, and her involvement is sure to bring a unique perspective to the mission, connecting millions of people around the world to the wonders of space travel.
The NS-31 mission is part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, which has already flown 52 people above the Kármán line—the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. The New Shepard spacecraft, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, is designed to take passengers on a suborbital journey, offering breathtaking views of Earth and a brief experience of weightlessness. In 2021, Blue Origin made headlines when actor William Shatner, star of “Star Trek,” became the oldest person to travel to space at the age of 90. Shatner later described the experience as deeply emotional, saying it left him with “among the strongest feelings of grief” he had ever encountered. The same year, Jeff Bezos himself traveled to near-space on a Blue Origin rocket in a flight that lasted about 10 minutes, further cementing the company’s commitment to making space travel accessible to civilians.
The diverse background of the crew reflects Blue Origin’s mission to inspire and include individuals from various fields. Aisha Bowe, an aerospace engineer and Bahamian-American trailblazer, brings her expertise in engineering and leadership to the team. Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights activist, has dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality, and her presence on the mission highlights the importance of advocacy and representation in every field. Kerianne Flynn, a film producer known for her work on projects like “This Changes Everything” and “Lilly,” a tribute to fair-pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter, adds a creative and storytelling dimension to the crew. Together, these women represent the intersection of science, art, activism, and exploration, proving that space travel is not just for astronauts but for anyone with a sense of wonder and a willingness to push boundaries.
The NS-31 mission is more than just a flight to space; it’s a statement about the power of women to lead, inspire, and make history. By bringing together individuals with such diverse backgrounds and experiences, Blue Origin is sending a powerful message about the importance of inclusion and collaboration in the pursuit of progress. This mission is a reminder that space exploration should be accessible to everyone and that the stories of those who venture into space should reflect the diversity of humanity. As these six women prepare for their journey, they carry with them the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of millions of people around the world. Their mission will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars and challenge the boundaries of what is possible.
