The countdown to a groundbreaking moment in space exploration has begun. On April 14, pop superstar Katy Perry will embark on an extraordinary journey aboard the New Shepard spacecraft, operated by Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos. Scheduled for launch at 10:30 a.m. Brasília time—or 8:30 a.m. Central Time—from a remote site in West Texas, this mission, dubbed NS-31, marks the 11th human flight for the reusable rocket. What sets this trip apart is its crew: for the first time, an all-female team will cross the Kármán Line, the boundary 100 kilometers above Earth that separates the planet’s atmosphere from outer space. Alongside Perry, five accomplished women will join her, bringing a mix of talent, science, and influence to this historic endeavor.
Katy Perry’s inclusion in the mission is no mere publicity stunt. Known for chart-topping hits like “Firework” and “Roar,” she’s also celebrated for her global influence in music, pop culture, and philanthropy. Blue Origin emphasized her role as a symbol of inspiration, pointing to her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Firework Foundation, which supports underserved youth through arts programs. The flight, set just before her “Lifetimes” tour kicks off on April 23, underscores her drive to push boundaries—both on stage and beyond. For Perry, this isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a chance to motivate her daughter, Daisy, born in 2020, and millions of fans worldwide.
Leading the crew is Lauren Sánchez, an Emmy-winning journalist, helicopter pilot, and Jeff Bezos’s fiancée. She assembled this diverse team, which includes Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist and STEMBoard CEO; Amanda Nguyen, a bioastronautics researcher and activist; Gayle King, a CBS journalist; and Kerianne Flynn, a film producer with a passion for social causes. Together, they represent a powerful blend of expertise and vision, poised to make waves in a field long dominated by men.
A landmark moment for women in space
The NS-31 mission carries deep historical significance. It’s the first all-female crew to fly together since 1963, when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space, orbiting Earth for nearly three days. Over 60 years later, this Blue Origin flight echoes that pioneering spirit, albeit with a modern twist: a suborbital trip lasting just 11 minutes. Yet its brevity doesn’t diminish its impact. By featuring only women, the mission highlights progress in gender inclusion within the aerospace industry, an arena where female representation has historically lagged.
The New Shepard’s flight profile is meticulously engineered. Launched vertically from its Texas pad, the rocket accelerates past three times the speed of sound, propelling the crew capsule beyond the Kármán Line. Once there, the six women will experience about four minutes of weightlessness, gazing out through the spacecraft’s massive windows at Earth’s curvature and the blackness of space. The descent relies on parachutes, with a gentle touchdown back in the desert. Fully automated, the vehicle requires no onboard pilots, showcasing Blue Origin’s cutting-edge technology.
For Katy Perry, the journey is deeply personal. Symbolized by a firework in the mission’s emblem—a nod to her 2010 hit—the singer sees it as a way to inspire. She’s spoken about believing in the impossible since childhood, a mindset she now hopes to share from 100 kilometers up. With her tour looming, this flight could shape her performances, blending cosmic wonder with her signature pop flair.
Meet the six trailblazers of NS-31
The NS-31 crew is a remarkable lineup, each member bringing a unique story to the mission. Here’s who they are:
- Katy Perry: A pop icon with over 115 billion streams, famed for songs like “I Kissed a Girl.” Her Firework Foundation aids young artists in need.
- Lauren Sánchez: An award-winning journalist and pilot, she’s also vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, focusing on climate solutions.
- Aisha Bowe: A former NASA engineer and STEMBoard founder, she’ll be the first Black woman to fly with Blue Origin.
- Amanda Nguyen: A bioastronautics expert with NASA experience, she’ll be the first Vietnamese woman in space, nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019.
- Gayle King: A CBS Mornings co-host and Oprah Daily editor, symbolized by a microphone in the mission patch.
- Kerianne Flynn: A film producer tied to cultural projects like The High Line, aiming to inspire her son and others.
These women weren’t chosen just for their résumés. They embody resilience, breaking barriers in their fields and now in space.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard legacy
Founded in 2000, Blue Origin aims to make space accessible to millions. The New Shepard, named after Alan Shepard—the first American in space in 1961—is central to that vision. Since its debut human flight in July 2021, which carried Jeff Bezos aloft, it has flown 52 people across 10 crewed missions. The NS-31 will be its 31st overall flight, counting uncrewed tests, and continues to build on that track record.
Unlike SpaceX’s orbital rockets, the New Shepard is suborbital, designed for short, repeatable trips. Its booster, powered by liquid oxygen and hydrogen, lands vertically after each launch, a hallmark of its reusable design. This efficiency has fueled the rise of space tourism, with tickets reportedly costing over a million dollars each—a price tag that’s drawn celebrities like William Shatner and Michael Strahan in prior flights.
The company’s broader ambitions extend beyond suborbital jaunts. Its New Glenn rocket, aimed at orbital missions, completed a successful test in January, though the booster wasn’t recovered. Plans for 2025 include four more New Glenn flights, some supporting NASA and Amazon’s Kuiper satellite network, signaling a shift toward bigger goals.
Inside the New Shepard suborbital experience
The NS-31 flight follows a precise sequence honed over years. From Launch Site One in Texas, the 60-foot rocket lifts off, driven by its BE-3PM engine. Within minutes, it separates from the crew capsule, which coasts past the Kármán Line. During the weightless phase, the six passengers can unbuckle and float, taking in views through windows that dominate the capsule’s walls. The descent, cushioned by parachutes and a final thruster burst, ends with a soft landing.
The entire trip lasts about 11 minutes, yet its brevity belies its complexity. The autonomous system, backed by rigorous testing—like a 2022 escape system success after an uncrewed failure—ensures safety. For the crew, it’s a blend of adrenaline and awe, distilled into a fleeting but unforgettable window.
Women’s milestones in space exploration
The all-female NS-31 crew builds on a legacy of female space pioneers. Valentina Tereshkova’s 1963 flight set the stage, followed by Sally Ride’s 1983 trip as the first American woman in space. More recently, Christina Koch and Jessica Meir made history with the first all-female spacewalk in 2019 aboard the International Space Station. Of the 600-plus people who’ve reached space, roughly 61 have been women, per NASA records—a number the NS-31 boosts.
For crew members like Amanda Nguyen, the flight marks a cultural milestone as the first Vietnamese woman in space, while Aisha Bowe’s participation shatters another glass ceiling. Their stories reflect a gradual but real shift toward inclusivity in a once-exclusive domain.
NS-31 mission timeline
The buildup to April 14 involves careful preparation. Key dates include:
- Crew announcement: Unveiled February 27, introducing the six women.
- Launch confirmation: Set March 27 for April 14 at 8:30 a.m. CT.
- Training: Days of simulations for weightlessness and safety protocols.
- Liftoff: Rocket departs Texas, hitting space in minutes.
- Landing: Capsule returns by 8:41 a.m. CT, 11 minutes total.
This schedule underscores Blue Origin’s precision, with weather conditions in spring typically favoring a smooth launch.
Katy Perry’s cultural footprint from space
Katy Perry isn’t the first celebrity to ride the New Shepard, but her star power amplifies the mission’s reach. William Shatner, at 90, became the oldest person in space in 2021, while Michael Strahan flew later that year. Perry’s pop appeal, tied to songs like “Firework,” bridges space to a broader audience. Her mission patch firework nods to that anthem, which has over a billion streams.
With her “Lifetimes” tour starting April 23, fans anticipate space-inspired touches in her shows. Her philanthropy—supporting kids through the Firework Foundation—adds depth to her journey, aligning with Blue Origin’s outreach goals.
Fun facts about NS-31 and New Shepard
Here are some standout details:
- The rocket’s booster lands upright, reused across missions.
- Its namesake, Alan Shepard, flew suborbitally for 15 minutes in 1961.
- The capsule’s windows are the largest ever flown in space.
- No pilots are needed; it’s fully computer-controlled.
- NS-31 is the 11th crewed flight, 31st overall.
These tidbits highlight the blend of innovation and accessibility driving the program.
What’s next for space tourism
The NS-31 flight reinforces space tourism’s growing foothold. Since 2021, Blue Origin has rivaled Virgin Galactic and SpaceX, each with distinct approaches—suborbital hops versus orbital treks. The New Glenn’s January test flight hints at orbital plans, with more launches slated for 2025, including NASA partnerships. For now, the New Shepard keeps space within reach for those with deep pockets.
For Perry and her crew, the mission is a platform to inspire. Their April 14 flight could spark curiosity in a new generation, proving space isn’t just for scientists or tycoons—it’s for dreamers too.
The big day: April 14
Launch day promises clear skies in Texas, ideal for the 8:30 a.m. CT liftoff. Broadcast live, the event will let viewers watch Perry and her team soar past the Kármán Line. The rocket’s ascent, weightless drift, and desert landing will unfold in under 12 minutes—a short trip with a lasting echo. For Perry, it’s a prelude to her tour, blending cosmic and creative energy.
The crew’s training covered every detail, from floating in zero-G to maximizing window time. Their return, expected by 8:41 a.m., will cap a flawless operation, if past flights are any guide. What they’ll say after touching down remains to be seen, but their voices will carry far.
Tech marvels behind the flight
The New Shepard’s BE-3PM engine, burning liquid hydrogen and oxygen, pushes it to 2,300 mph. Its escape system, proven in 2022, adds a safety net. The capsule’s three parachutes and landing thruster ensure a gentle return, while the booster’s vertical touchdown cuts costs. It’s a system built for reliability and repetition, paving the way for routine space travel.
