Set to Launch on April 14
On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket is set to launch its 11th human flight, NS-31, from Launch Site One in West Texas. This mission is historic, marking the first all-female crewed spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo journey in 1963.
Meet the Trailblazing Crew
The NS-31 mission brings together six remarkable women from diverse fields:
Pilot Lauren Sánchez
Lauren Sánchez, a licensed pilot, Emmy Award-winning journalist, and Bezos Earth Fund vice chair, will lead the all-women Blue Origin NS-31 mission launching on April 14, 2025. Known for her work in broadcasting and aviation, Sánchez brings the crew a unique blend of media experience and flight expertise. As a longtime advocate for climate awareness and women's leadership, her role in this historic spaceflight reflects her ongoing commitment to breaking barriers and inspiring future generations to reach for the stars, literally and figuratively.
Former NASA Rocket Scientist and CEO Aisha Bowe
Aisha Bowe, a pioneering aerospace engineer and dynamic entrepreneur, will take flight on April 14, 2025, as part of Blue Origin's groundbreaking all-women NS-31 mission. Once a NASA rocket scientist, Bowe now leads as CEO of STEMBoard—an award-winning tech company recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for its rapid growth and innovation. She also launched LINGO, a hands-on educational platform that makes coding and engineering accessible to students worldwide. From community college to the edge of space, Bowe's journey is a testament to resilience, brilliance, and the power of representation. Her presence on this mission honors her achievements and lights the way for countless young minds—especially girls and women of color—dreaming of careers in science and technology.
Artist Katy Perry
Katy Perry is a multifaceted American singer, songwriter, and television personality who has left an indelible mark on pop music. Emerging from a conservative Christian upbringing, she transitioned from gospel music to mainstream pop. Known for her vibrant style and empowering anthems like "Firework" and "Roar," Perry has sold over 143 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Beyond her musical achievements, she has served as a judge on "American Idol," launched successful business ventures, and engaged in philanthropic efforts. In 2025, Perry expanded her horizons by joining Blue Origin's all-female NS-31 spaceflight, symbolizing her commitment to breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
Journalist Gayle King
Gayle King is a distinguished American journalist and television personality. She co-hosts "CBS Mornings" and serves as editor-at-large for Oprah Daily. King's journalism career spans over four decades, during which she has conducted high-profile interviews. Her empathetic interviewing style and commitment to journalistic integrity have earned her multiple Emmy Awards and a place on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2019. In April 2025, King expanded her horizons by joining Blue Origin's all-female NS-31 spaceflight, becoming one of the first female journalists to travel to space. Her participation in this historic mission underscores her trailblazing spirit and dedication to breaking barriers in media and beyond.
Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen
Amanda Nguyen, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is set to make history as an all-women crew in space aboard Blue Origin's NS-31 mission. A Harvard graduate and former NASA intern, Nguyen founded the nonprofit Rise, leading the passage of the U.S. Sexual Assault Survivors' Rights Act and advocating for similar protections globally. Her journey from survivor to astronaut exemplifies resilience and a commitment to justice. During the mission, Nguyen plans to research menstruation in microgravity, aiming to destigmatize women's health in space exploration. Her participation marks a personal milestone and serves as an inspiration for future generations, emphasizing that while she may be the first, she won't be the last.
Kerianne Flynn
Kerianne Flynn, an accomplished American film producer, is renowned for her work on socially impactful independent films such as The Automatic Hate (2015), This Changes Everything (2018), and Lilly (2024). Transitioning from a successful career in fashion and human resources, Flynn dedicated the past decade to community-building through nonprofit initiatives with organizations like The Allen-Stevenson School, The High Line, and Hudson River Park. Her passion for exploration culminated on April 14, 2025, when she joined Blue Origin's historic all-female NS-31 mission, aiming to inspire her son, Dex, and future generations to reach for the stars.
Each crew member’s emblem is featured on the NS-31 mission patch, symbolizing their unique contributions and the mission’s collective spirit for future generations to reach for the stars.
The Mission’s Significance
NS-31 is more than a suborbital flight; it’s a statement on inclusivity and representation in space exploration. By assembling a crew of accomplished women from various backgrounds, Blue Origin highlights the importance of diversity in pioneering new frontiers.
The mission aims to inspire future generations, demonstrating that space is accessible to all, regardless of gender or background. As Sánchez expressed, leading this team of explorers is an honor that will challenge their perspectives of Earth and empower them to share their stories.
Launch Details
- Date: Monday, April 14, 2025
- Time: Launch window opens at 8:30 a.m. CDT / 13:30 UTC
- Location: Launch Site One, West Texas
The NS-31 mission will be a brief yet impactful journey, propelling the crew approximately 62 miles above Earth’s surface. During the 11-minute flight, they will experience a few minutes of weightlessness and witness the planet’s curvature before returning to Earth.
A New Chapter in Spaceflight
This mission represents a significant step toward normalizing women’s presence in space. By showcasing the achievements of these six women, Blue Origin sends a powerful message: the future of space exploration is inclusive and diverse.
Explore the New Shepard:
As we look to the stars, NS-31 serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for future generations of women to pursue their dreams beyond Earth's atmosphere. Learn more about the New Shepard Mission. For more information on the NS-31 mission and to stay updated, visit Blue Origin’s official website.
