Katy Perry to Join All-Women Trip to Space

In a groundbreaking announcement from Blue Origin, Katy Perry will take her star power to new heights by joining an all-female crew set to orbit the edge of space aboard the New Shepard rocket. The mission, dubbed NS-31, marks Blue Origin’s 11th human flight and promises to be an unforgettable journey—not just for the involved crew members, but also for the world watching. Set to launch in spring, this mission will be significant as it is Blue Origin's first female-only flight since Valentina Tereshkova's historic solo mission in 1963.

Gayle King, co-host of CBS Mornings, and Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, will be accompanying Perry on this extraordinary adventure. Both women bring unique stories and aspirations to the mission. King, an esteemed journalist, has shared her excitement laced with fear, acknowledging that space travel was never amongst her life's ambitions. However, her conviction has evolved, fueled by encouragement from her peers and the shared wonder at the awe-inspiring possibilities of space exploration. Similarly, Sanchez, an accomplished pilot and entrepreneur, is equally committed to using this mission as a platform to inspire future generations, particularly women and girls, to reach for extraordinary goals.

The mission's crew also includes accomplished individuals like Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and advocate for STEM education. Her journey from community college to the edge of space serves as a beacon of inspiration, especially for young people from her Bahamian heritage and beyond. Another distinguished member is Amanda Nguyen, celebrated for her advocacy of civil rights and recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Kerianne Flynn, known for her impactful work in film and community service, adds depth to the cohort, emphasizing storytelling’s transformative power. As creators and visionaries from diverse fields, the NS-31 crew encapsulates a blend of experience and dreams, uniting them in a shared journey beyond the confines of Earth.

Since launching its operations, Blue Origin has flown 52 people to space, with the New Shepard's fully autonomous system ensuring safety and efficiency without the need for pilots. These missions, although brief, offer participants a glance at the cosmos from beyond the Kármán line, which distinctly defines the start of outer space. All eyes are now set on the upcoming launch, eagerly waiting to witness this significant stride in space history and gender representation in aerospace, reflective of shifting paradigms within this evolving domain.