On April 14, 2025, Lauren Sánchez, fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, led an all-female crew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, marking a historic milestone in commercial spaceflight. The NS-31 mission, Blue Origin’s 11th human flight, launched at 9:30 am EDT, carrying Sánchez, pop star Katy Perry, CBS journalist Gayle King, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. The six-member crew embarked on an 11-minute suborbital journey, soaring past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 kilometers above Earth. This flight underscores Blue Origin’s mission to democratize space travel and promote inclusivity in the aerospace industry.
Sánchez, a former journalist and helicopter pilot, expressed gratitude in an Instagram post before the launch, writing, “Hard to believe that tomorrow this incredible work of innovation will be taking us above the Kármán line.” She thanked the Blue Origin team for their efforts. The New Shepard rocket, named after astronaut Alan Shepard, has previously carried notable figures like Bezos and William Shatner, with 52 people flown to date. This mission further cements Blue Origin’s role in the growing space tourism sector.
The all-female crew represents diverse fields, from entertainment to engineering, highlighting the broadening accessibility of space. Katy Perry, known for hits like “Firework,” joins Gayle King, a prominent media figure, and Aisha Bowe, a trailblazing aerospace engineer. Amanda Nguyen, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and Kerianne Flynn, a film producer, round out the team, showcasing varied expertise united by a shared goal of pushing boundaries.
This launch comes ahead of Bezos and Sánchez’s wedding, set for June 26-29, 2025, in Venice, Italy. Invitations have been sent to high-profile guests like Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian, following Bezos’s 2023 proposal. The couple’s space and personal milestones intertwine, drawing global attention.
Blue Origin’s vision extends beyond tourism, aiming to make space more inclusive. The NS-31 mission, covered by The Times of India, reflects this ethos, blending innovation with representation. For further details, check grok.com or x.com for updates on Blue Origin’s progress. If you’re curious about crew backgrounds or mission specifics, I can explore more!