Blue Origin, the aerospace company led by Jeff Bezos, is set to make history with the launch of its NS-31 mission on April 14, 2025. The flight will feature an all-female crew, marking a significant milestone in space tourism. This will be the company’s 11th human spaceflight, and the six-person crew will soar above the Kármán Line, the widely recognized boundary between Earth and space, on a brief 10-minute journey.
The crew for the New Shepard vehicle will include a diverse group of women from various fields, each bringing their unique expertise and accomplishments to the mission:
Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard, who is committed to promoting STEM education.
Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics research scientist who has contributed to several NASA missions, including the Kepler exoplanet mission.
Gayle King, the award-winning journalist and co-host of CBS Mornings, known for her thoughtful and compassionate interviewing style.
Katy Perry, the globally recognized pop star and philanthropist, who serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Firework Foundation to empower children through the arts.
Kerianne Flynn, a film producer with a passion for community-building and empowerment, whose films have explored social justice themes.
Lauren Sánchez, a journalist, pilot, and vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, who helped bring the mission to fruition. Sánchez is also engaged to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.
The New Shepard rocket will launch from Launch Site One in West Texas. The flight is expected to carry the crew above the Kármán Line, which lies 62 miles (100 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. Though the Kármán Line is widely recognized as the start of space, there remains some debate about the exact altitude where space begins.
The NS-31 mission underscores Blue Origin’s commitment to advancing space exploration while highlighting the achievements of women in science, technology, and the arts. With this historic flight, Blue Origin continues to push boundaries and inspire future generations of explorers.
