Blue Origin is set to make history this spring with its upcoming NS-31 mission, which will feature an all-female crew. The mission, led by Lauren Sánchez, partner of Blue Origin’s founder Jeff Bezos, aims to inspire the next generation of explorers. Among the crew are renowned figures such as singer Katy Perry, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, journalist Gayle King, and activist Amanda Nguyen.
The NS-31 mission will utilize Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, a reusable booster designed for short suborbital flights. With a flight duration of approximately 11 minutes, passengers will experience around four minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth from the rocket's large windows. The New Shepard rockets operate autonomously, meaning there are no pilots aboard during the journey.
The crewed capsule of the New Shepard can accommodate up to six individuals and flies above the Kármán line, which is widely recognized as the boundary of space at 62 miles (100 kilometers) above sea level. Although it does not orbit the Earth, the flight provides a unique opportunity for participants to witness the planet from a vantage point that few have experienced.
Blue Origin has a history of selecting celebrity crews for its missions. Notable past flights include actor William Shatner and former NFL star Michael Strahan. The NS-31 mission continues this trend, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first all-female space crew since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova's historic launch in 1963.
The mission's objectives extend beyond just the flight itself. As stated by Blue Origin, "Katy is honored to be a part of Blue Origin's first all-female crew and hopes her journey encourages her daughter and others to reach for the stars, literally and figuratively." Sánchez also expressed her commitment to the mission's impact: "She is honored to lead a team of explorers on a mission that will challenge their perspectives of Earth, empower them to share their own stories, and create lasting impact that will inspire generations to come."
Blue Origin's NS-31 mission is poised to break barriers while promoting diversity in space exploration. By showcasing an all-female crew, the mission seeks to motivate young girls and women around the world to pursue their dreams in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
