Blue Origin recently made history by launching pop star Katy Perry and five remarkable women on its NS-31 mission. This marked the first manned spaceflight without a man on board since 1963. The spacecraft, New Shepard, took off at 9:30 a.m. EDT from West Texas, reaching the Kármán line — the official boundary of space at 62 miles (100 kilometers) — and giving the crew about four minutes of weightlessness.
After the flight, Perry shared the experience’s profound impact. "It is the highest high, and it is surrender to the unknown, trust," she remarked. Each of the six women found the journey deeply moving, fostering a unique connection to the Earth.
Leading the mission was Lauren Sánchez, a seasoned journalist and entrepreneur engaged to Blue Origin’s founder Jeff Bezos. In her role, she emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparation. The crew’s experience mirrored that of past launches, particularly the historic flight of Alan Shepard, the first American in space.
Among the crew was Amanda Nguyễn, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman to fly to space. She is a bioastronautics researcher and an advocate for sexual assault survivors. She took two symbolic zero-g indicators with her: a written promise to herself and a hospital wristband from a challenging past moment. "I got to honor her today," she said.
The other crew members included Gayle King, known for her role in journalism, and Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEM advocate. King faced her fear of flying head-on during this adventure and emphasized the teamwork that supported their successful journey. Bowe echoed this sentiment, remarking, "I picked the right dream… I’m ready to go back."
Each woman brought personal items to space that held significance for them. Kerianne Flynn took a feather that represented Blue Origin and reminded her of her friends. Perry held a daisy, symbolizing resilience. She explained that daisies grow strong in various conditions and represent beauty and endurance.
This spaceflight reflects a broader trend of women breaking barriers in fields traditionally dominated by men. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that while women make up 38% of the workforce in STEM fields, their representation is growing.
Social media buzzed with excitement after the mission, showcasing positive reactions to this milestone in space exploration. The team’s diverse backgrounds and experiences highlight the importance of inclusion and empowerment in both STEM and space.
As one of her final reflections, Perry noted how vital it is for future generations, especially young women, to take risks and embrace their journeys. This event not only showcased technological advancements but also inspired countless individuals to dream big and strive for greatness.
For more details on the NS-31 mission, visit Blue Origin’s official site.
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