In a move that surprised fans and thrilled space enthusiasts, global pop sensation Katy Perry has made history—not with a new album, but by literally reaching for the stars. On April 14, 2025, Perry joined an elite all-female crew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 spacecraft, becoming one of the most high-profile celebrities to fly to space.
The event wasn’t just a cultural spectacle—it marked the first all-female crewed space mission since 1963, blending the worlds of celebrity, science, and symbolism in a way never seen before. With fellow icons like Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez on board, and a mission designed to inspire future generations, this wasn’t your average rocket launch. It was an empowerment statement, wrapped in zero gravity.
So, what really happened during this trailblazing journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere? Here’s everything you need to know—from takeoff to touchdown, and the heartfelt moments in between.
Mission Overview: Blue Origin’s NS-31 Launch
Launch Date, Time, and Location
The historic launch took place on the morning of April 14, 2025, from Blue Origin’s private Launch Site One in Van Horn, West Texas. The company, founded by Jeff Bezos, has been steadily building a presence in commercial space tourism, but this flight was different.
It was more than just a technological feat—it was a cultural one, attracting media attention from around the world. Crowds gathered, livestreams boomed across social media, and major networks from CNN to the BBC broadcast the event live.
The Rocket: Blue Origin’s New Shepard
The New Shepard rocket used in this mission was NS-31, a suborbital booster built for vertical launch and landing. Named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the rocket is designed specifically for short-duration missions into the edge of space.
Though the trip lasted just over 11 minutes, it gave the passengers a full spaceflight experience: rapid ascent, a moment of weightlessness, and a dramatic return to Earth. For Katy Perry and the rest of the crew, this was enough time to make history.
How Long Was the Flight and What Did It Achieve?
The entire journey—from liftoff to safe landing—lasted approximately 11 minutes. The spacecraft crossed the Kármán line (62 miles above Earth), the internationally recognized boundary of space. There, the crew experienced roughly four minutes of weightlessness, allowing them to float freely and observe the Earth from above.
Beyond the physical journey, the mission also carried symbolic weight. It represented a message of unity, inclusion, and hope—especially for young women and girls watching from around the globe.
Meet the A-List All-Female Crew
Katy Perry – Pop Star Turned Space Pioneer
Known for her electrifying stage presence, Katy Perry traded sequins for a space suit and embarked on an adventure few artists could imagine. For Perry, this wasn’t a publicity stunt. It was a deeply personal mission—an experience she later described as “transcendental.”
During the flight, she even sang “What a Wonderful World” while floating, her voice echoing across the capsule in a moment that left viewers around the world in tears.
Gayle King – Media Icon and Journalist
Broadcast legend Gayle King brought gravitas to the crew. As a journalist who has covered everything from royal weddings to presidential elections, King approached the mission with a mix of curiosity and reverence.
After landing, she reflected on the profound stillness of space, calling for more kindness and empathy on Earth—a moment that captured the true spirit of the mission.
Lauren Sánchez – Pilot and Space Enthusiast
As a trained pilot and the fiancée of Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sánchez was more than familiar with the world of aviation. But this trip still marked a milestone in her personal and professional journey. As one of the leaders in the space philanthropy initiative by Bezos, Sánchez brought both credibility and compassion to the flight.
She’s also expected to play a growing role in Blue Origin’s future missions.
Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn – The Powerhouse Team
These brilliant women brought scientific, social, and cultural firepower to the capsule:
- Aisha Bowe: Aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, championing STEM for underrepresented communities.
- Amanda Nguyen: Civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, whose presence honored survivors and human rights advocates.
- Kerianne Flynn: Film producer and advocate for inclusive storytelling, providing a creative lens on humanity’s place in the universe.
Together, this crew wasn’t just diverse—it was deeply inspiring.
