On April 14, 2025, pop icon Katy Perry embarked on a groundbreaking journey to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, joining an all-female crew in a mission that marked a significant milestone in space exploration. The NS-31 mission, which lasted approximately 11 minutes, saw the crew soar over 60 miles above Earth, crossing the Kármán line—the recognized boundary of space—before safely returning to the West Texas desert.
The diverse team accompanying Perry included:
- Lauren Sánchez: A seasoned journalist and helicopter pilot, Sánchez is also the fiancée of Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. She played a pivotal role in assembling the crew, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and representation in space exploration.
- Gayle King: Renowned CBS Mornings co-host, King faced her fear of flying to participate in this mission. She described the experience as both terrifying and exhilarating, likening it to stepping out of her comfort zone.
- Aisha Bowe: A former NASA aerospace engineer and founder of STEMBoard, Bowe’s inclusion highlighted the mission’s commitment to showcasing women in STEM fields.
- Amanda Nguyen: A bioastronautics researcher and civil rights activist, Nguyen is also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Her participation underscored the mission’s focus on advocacy and scientific advancement.
- Kerianne Flynn: A film producer known for her work on gender-focused projects, Flynn’s involvement brought attention to the intersection of media, storytelling, and space exploration.
During their brief time in space, the crew experienced weightlessness and gazed upon the curvature of Earth. Perry brought a daisy with her, symbolizing her daughter, Daisy, and expressed feeling “super connected to love” upon landing. She also serenaded her fellow astronauts with “What a Wonderful World” during the flight.
The mission garnered attention not only for its scientific and exploratory achievements but also for its fashion statement. The crew donned custom-designed flight suits by Monse, aiming to blend functionality with a touch of glamour. While some critics viewed the mission as indulgent, the crew defended their endeavor as a celebration of female empowerment and a challenge to traditional norms in space travel.
This historic flight stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of space exploration, emphasizing inclusivity, representation, and the breaking of new frontiers by women from diverse backgrounds.