Singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King are set to join an extraordinary all-female crew for a trip into space with Blue Origin, the rocket company founded by Jeff Bezos. This flight, known as NS-31, is making headlines not just because of its famous passengers, but also because it’s the first all-female mission since Valentina Tereshkova, who became the first woman in space in 1963.
The flight will happen on a New Shepard rocket, which has previously taken scientists, entrepreneurs, and celebrities above the Kármán line—the recognized edge of space at about 62 miles above Earth. This mission is a quick one—lasting around 11 minutes. According to Blue Origin, the rocket ascends at over three times the speed of sound, allowing crew members to experience weightlessness and gaze at Earth before returning safely under parachutes.
The launch is set for Monday morning, opening its window at 9:30 a.m. EDT. The crew consists of six remarkable women:
- Lauren Sánchez: A journalist who is also Bezos’ fiancé. She played a key role in assembling the team and collaborated on designing the space suits.
- Aisha Bowe: A former NASA rocket scientist who will be the first Bahamian to travel to space. She plans to conduct scientific experiments during the flight.
- Amanda Nguyễn: A bioastronautics research scientist and civil rights activist nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. This flight marks her as the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman astronaut.
- Gayle King: The well-known co-anchor of CBS Mornings, shared her mixed feelings of joy and anxiety regarding the journey.
- Katy Perry: The pop superstar has curated a “space playlist,” featuring songs that resonate with the theme of exploration.
- Kerianne Flynn: A film producer who has always dreamed of going to space.
The New Shepard rocket is built for human flight and is fully reusable. It features a pressurized capsule with comfortable seats for each passenger.
As for costs, Blue Origin hasn’t disclosed specific ticket prices, but a deposit of $150,000 is required to start the reservation process. The company made headlines in 2021 when it auctioned a seat for $28 million.
Overall, NS-31 highlights a significant step toward inclusivity in space travel while sparking interest in the commercial space industry. It’s a chance for these women not only to explore beyond our planet but also to inspire others.
For more information on Blue Origin’s missions, visit Blue Origin.
Check out this related article: Join Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez on an All-Female Space Adventure – Watch the Live Countdown Now!
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