Blue Origin’s All-Female Spaceflight Marks Historic Milestone
On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket launched its first all-female crew into suborbital space, marking a significant moment in space exploration. The mission, known as NS-31, included singer Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
The flight lasted approximately 10 minutes and reached over 66 miles above Earth, allowing the crew to experience weightlessness before safely returning. This journey was the first all-female crewed spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963.
The event drew attention from notable figures, including Oprah Winfrey, who became emotional watching her friend Gayle King participate in the mission. While the mission was celebrated for its representation and empowerment, it also faced criticism regarding the commercialization of space travel.
Despite differing opinions, the NS-31 mission stands as a milestone in promoting inclusivity and inspiring future generations in the realm of space exploration.
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Photo Credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
