In addition to making history, the crew conducted a range of scientific experiments during the flight
Pop superstar Katy Perry has made history, joining the first-ever all-female crew to reach the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The landmark mission took place on Monday evening, marking a major milestone for women in space exploration.
The six-member team — comprising Perry, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and journalists Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez — lifted off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas at 8:30 a.m. CDT (7:00 p.m. IST). After a brief but thrilling 11-minute journey past the Karman line — the internationally recognized boundary of space — the capsule safely returned to Earth.
“The New Shepard booster has landed,” Blue Origin announced on social media platform X. Moments later, they confirmed, “Capsule touchdown. Welcome back, NS-31 crew.” The flight, designated NS-31, marks Blue Origin’s 11th human mission to suborbital space and the company’s second launch this year. So far, the aerospace venture founded by Jeff Bezos has carried 52 people beyond the Karman line.
In addition to making history, the crew conducted a range of scientific experiments during the flight. Bowe, who also serves as CEO of the engineering firm STEMBoard, led three research initiatives focusing on plant biology and human physiology, underscoring the mission’s commitment to using space exploration to benefit Earth.
Blue Origin described the mission as a transformative experience.
“This NS-31 crew is embarking on a mission to transform their perspectives of Earth and create a lasting impact that inspires future generations,” the company said ahead of the launch. For Perry, the spaceflight fulfilled a long-held dream. “I’ve dreamt of going to space for 15 years, and today that dream becomes a reality,” she wrote in an Instagram post, sharing a video of her pre-launch excitement. “I am so honored to be alongside five other incredible and inspiring women as we become the first-ever all-female flight space crew!”
Blue Origin also noted the historic significance, pointing out that this was the first all-female flight crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963.
