In a groundbreaking moment for both space travel and representation, Blue Origin is set to launch an all-female crew aboard its New Shepard rocket on Monday, April 14, 2025. The mission, designated NS-31, will carry six high-profile and accomplished women on a brief suborbital journey that will last approximately 11 minutes.
The crew includes a diverse group of trailblazing women from journalism, science, entertainment, and advocacy. Among them are Gayle King, veteran journalist and co-anchor of CBS Mornings; Lauren Sánchez, pilot, journalist, and founder of Black Ops Aviation; Katy Perry, global pop star and entertainer; Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEM advocate; Amanda Nguyen, a prominent civil rights activist and bioastronautics researcher; and Kerianne Flynn, a film producer.
The flight is scheduled to lift off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas at approximately 9:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (6:30 a.m. Pacific). The mission will take the crew just past the Kármán line—an internationally recognized boundary of space located 62 miles above Earth—offering a few minutes of weightlessness before the capsule descends by parachute back to the desert floor.
This mission marks a significant milestone for Blue Origin and commercial spaceflight, as it will be the company’s first all-female spaceflight. It is also one of the few all-women crewed missions in space history, recalling Valentina Tereshkova’s solo orbit in 1963 and the NASA milestone in 2019 when astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir conducted the first all-female spacewalk.
Lauren Sánchez, who played a key role in assembling the flight’s roster, has emphasized the importance of representation and diversity in space exploration. By curating a crew of high-achieving women from various industries, the mission aims to inspire young women and girls to explore careers in science, technology, and other fields traditionally underrepresented by women.
In preparation for the launch, the crew participated in a series of training sessions at Blue Origin’s facilities, learning emergency protocols, practicing zero-gravity simulations, and becoming familiar with the spacecraft’s layout and systems. These simulations are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers aboard the New Shepard rocket.
The New Shepard spacecraft has been used in several previous successful flights, including missions carrying both astronauts and scientific payloads. Named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space, the rocket and capsule system is designed for brief suborbital tourism and research missions.
Beyond the scientific and historic significance, the upcoming flight has drawn cultural attention as well. The crew’s flight suits have been specially designed by fashion designers Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, combining safety with stylistic elements to reflect the unique personalities of the passengers.
The event will be broadcast live via Blue Origin’s official website and additional media platforms, with coverage beginning 90 minutes prior to liftoff. The livestream will include commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, and real-time updates as the countdown to launch progresses.
The NS-31 mission is a part of Blue Origin’s broader vision to democratize space travel and highlight voices from all walks of life. By sending this all-female crew into space, the company continues to expand its outreach and demonstrate that the future of space exploration is inclusive and accessible.
Whether viewed through the lens of aerospace advancement, cultural significance, or gender equity, Monday’s launch will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone moment. It serves as both a technological feat and a public statement about the evolving landscape of space exploration and the important role women continue to play in shaping its future.
