On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin successfully launched its first all-female crew into space, marking a significant milestone in the realm of commercial space travel. The mission, designated NS-31, took off from Launch Site One, located near Van Horn, Texas, carrying six accomplished women on a brief journey to the Kármán line, which sits 62 miles above Earth’s surface.
The crew included notable figures such as CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, journalist and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. This mission added Bowe to the history books as the first Bahamian in space, while Nguyen became the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to achieve this milestone.
Launch Experience and Reaction
The launch occurred punctually at approximately 9:30 a.m. ET. The crew members were filled with excitement and anticipation as they experienced the rocket’s powerful ascent toward the Kármán line. King expressed her astonishment, stating, “I can’t even believe what I saw,” while also reflecting on the emotional environment inside the capsule, where screams of joy could be heard.
During the four minutes of weightlessness at the mission’s peak, the astronauts floated inside the capsule, cherishing the rare opportunity. King humorously remarked about the challenges of returning to her seat amid microgravity, while Perry comforted her by singing “What A Wonderful World,” which she later confirmed was a heartfelt serenade during the flight.
Returning Home and Reflections
Upon re-entering the atmosphere, the booster successfully landed upright about two miles from the launch pad, and the crew capsule touched down safely moments later. After a quick safety check, the hatch opened, allowing the astronauts to eagerly exit one by one. Sánchez was first, greeting her fiancé Jeff Bezos with a hug. Perry followed, joyfully pointing at the sky and kissing the ground, while Nguyen celebrated enthusiastically with grounded supporters.
King, embracing the ground beneath her, commented, “I just have to have a moment with the ground…to appreciate the ground for just a second.” Flynn ended the ceremony by cheerfully proclaiming, “I went to space!”
Impressions of Space
Reflecting on her experience, King described the atmosphere at the Kármán line as “oddly quiet” and profound. “You look down at the planet and you think, ‘That’s where we came from?’” she remarked, emphasizing the need for humanity to improve in our stewardship of Earth.
Sánchez labeled the flight as “profound,” describing the aesthetic contrast of the darkness of space against the bright Earth, calling it a living jewel. During a post-flight news conference, she said, “It was quiet. It felt like it was breathing. It was so alive.” Each crew member shared sentiments celebrating the opportunity to experience space and the beauty of Earth from above.
Flight Timeline and Details
The entire flight sequence, from preparation to landing, took approximately 11 minutes:
- 8:45 a.m. ET – Blue Origin crew arrives
- 8:55 a.m. ET – Crew enters the capsule and straps in
- 9:06 a.m. ET – Hatch closes
- 9:30 a.m. ET – Launch window opens
- 9:40 a.m. ET – Crew begins descent back to Earth
- 9:55 a.m. ET – Hatch opens for crew exit
The mission benefitted from favorable weather conditions in West Texas, enabling a smooth launch and landing.
Historical Significance of the New Shepard Flight
The NS-31 mission builds upon Blue Origin’s heritage established by its New Shepard program, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American to journey into space. Blue Origin’s goal with the program is not only to facilitate suborbital human spaceflight but also to advance research and technology.
The New Shepard system is designed for safety and ease of use, allowing passengers to enjoy a brief experience of weightlessness. The capsule offers large windows for spectacular views while outfitted with state-of-the-art safety features to ensure a secure passage to and from space.
Concluding Thoughts on the All-Women Crew
This historic mission spotlighted the capabilities and achievements of women in a field traditionally dominated by men. As each crew member carried personal items to represent their motivations and connections to Earth, the NS-31 mission underscored the transformational experience of space travel. It serves as an inspiring chapter in the ongoing narrative of human exploration beyond our planet.
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