Who were the key figures leading the all-female space mission? How did the crew describe their first moments of weightlessness?
Oh, to be a woman, floating above Earth, seeing its beauty from a place few have ever been.
On April 14, 2025, six women did just that, making history in a way that will inspire people for years to come.
They were part of Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, a flight that took them to the edge of space and back. This wasn’t just any trip—it was the first all-female space mission since 1963.
Who were these women, and what made their journey so special? Let’s dive in.
The Crew That Made History
The team included some well-known names and inspiring leaders. Lauren Sánchez, a journalist and fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, led the mission.
She was joined by pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
Each woman brought her own story to the flight.
For example, Nguyen became the first Vietnamese woman in space, and Bowe carried items to honor her Bahamian roots.
Together, they showed the world that women from different backgrounds can achieve great things.
The flight lasted about 11 minutes. The New Shepard rocket launched from West Texas, soaring past the Kármán line—the point 62 miles above Earth where space begins.
For a few minutes, the crew experienced weightlessness, floating in the capsule and gazing at Earth’s curve against the dark void. When they landed, emotions ran high.
Perry kissed the ground, holding a daisy for her daughter.
“It is the highest high. I couldn’t recommend this experience more,” she said for the camera.
Sánchez hugged her family, moved by the view of a quiet, connected planet.
“I will never be the same,” said Bowe. “There are no boundaries, there’s no border, there’s just Earth.”
Why This Mission Matters
This wasn’t just a quick trip to space—it was a statement. The last all-female spaceflight was over 60 years ago, when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova flew alone.
Since then, women have gone to space, but never as an all-female crew on a commercial mission like this. Blue Origin’s flight aimed to change how people see space travel.
It showed that space isn’t just for scientists or astronauts—it’s for artists, activists, and storytellers too.
The mission also sparked conversations. Some praised it for inspiring young girls to dream big. Others questioned if it was just a publicity move.
Either way, the crew’s message was clear: space is for everyone. They wore custom flight suits designed with fashion house Monse, blending style with strength.
Sánchez said the suits made them feel powerful, proving you can be feminine and bold in a field often seen as male-dominated.
Looking to the Future
What’s next for women in space? This mission opened doors. It showed that private companies like Blue Origin are making space more accessible.
The crew hopes their stories will encourage others—especially young people—to explore science, technology, or even the arts.
Perry said she wants her daughter to know she can reach for the stars. Nguyen spoke about healing through her journey, carrying a hospital bracelet from a tough time in her life.
As the world watched these women return, one thing was certain: their flight was more than a moment. It was a step toward a future where anyone can look up and dream of touching the sky.