On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket blasted off from West Texas, carrying a groundbreaking all-female crew that included pop sensation Katy Perry, acclaimed journalist Gayle King, and Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez. Marking the company’s 11th human spaceflight, this mission also featured former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn, cementing its place in history as the first all-woman space mission since Valentina Tereshkova’s pioneering flight in 1963.
This diverse crew showcased the power of women across industries. Their collective journey aboard the New Shepard rocket highlighted a new frontier for women in space exploration and space tourism.
The mission’s historical weight is undeniable. Over 60 years after Tereshkova became the first woman to reach space, this all-female crew underscored a transformative moment for inclusivity in the space industry.
Katy Perry brought her passion for the cosmos to the mission, drawing from her space-inspired hits like “E.T.” and “Firework.” She prepared by immersing herself in Carl Sagan’s writings and studying astrophysics, fueled by a lifelong fascination with the stars. “We’re all made of stardust,” Perry remarked, framing the flight as a chance to break barriers and inspire young girls to pursue STEM.
As a mother to her daughter Daisy, she emphasized empowerment, saying, “Being a mother makes you level up with that type of power.”
The flight itself was a thrilling success. The New Shepard rocket surged past three times the speed of sound, carrying the crew to the Kármán line 62 miles (100 km) above Earth, the globally recognized edge of space. There, they unbuckled, floating weightlessly in the cabin and soaking in awe-inspiring views of the planet. The descent followed smoothly, with parachutes guiding the crew back to a safe landing on Earth.
Blue Origin celebrated the mission as a landmark for women in space, with a mission patch honoring each crew member’s contributions and legacies. Perry reflected on her mindset before launch: “You’re brave, you’re bold… No limitations.” This historic suborbital flight not only elevated space tourism but also set a bold example, encouraging future generations of women to reach for the stars in STEM and beyond.
