Key Points Summary
- Six high-profile women launched into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard.
- Lauren Sánchez and Katy Perry led the historic all-female crew.
- The suborbital mission lasted 11 minutes with 3 minutes in zero gravity.
- This marks the first all-women space flight since 1963.
6 Women in Space: Bezos Sends Celebrity Crew on Historic Flight
For the first time in 60 years, an all-female crew soared beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, built by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, launched six well-known women into space early Monday. The 11-minute suborbital mission made headlines across the globe.
Star-Studded Lineup Takes Off
The crew featured a mix of celebrities, scientists, and activists. On board were Bezos’s fiancée Lauren Sánchez, pop icon Katy Perry, CBS host Gayle King, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen, filmmaker Kieranne Flynn, and NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe.
They lifted off from a desert site in West Texas at exactly 9:30 a.m. ET, riding New Shepard’s 31st mission into the sky.
Zero Gravity Joyride
The rocket pushed the women past the Kármán line—the official boundary of space—reaching speeds over 2,000 miles per hour.
Although the mission didn’t enter orbit, the passengers enjoyed three minutes of weightlessness before safely descending back to Earth.
Three Times the Force of Gravity
Powered by a BE-3PM engine, the rocket burned liquid hydrogen and oxygen, leaving behind only water vapor.
As the vehicle surged skyward, the crew endured G-forces three times greater than gravity. Engineers call this Max-Q—the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure.
Bezos Shares Emotional Message
Just before liftoff, Jeff Bezos walked alongside Sánchez and delivered a heartfelt message: “When you get back, I want to hear how it has changed you. I love you all.”
On the Blue Origin livestream, Sánchez shared that Bezos had felt more “grounded” after his own flight in 2021.
A Mission 60 Years in the Making
This flight marks a milestone. It’s the first all-women space mission since 1963 when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova made history flying solo.
Now, six women, spanning industries and generations, have carved their place into the space race.
Space Travel With Style
Each woman carried only the essentials—and perhaps a touch of glamour. Katy Perry, known for making bold fashion choices, joined the crew with her signature flair.
Photos showed her boarding the capsule with confidence, waving to cameras before entering.
No Ordinary Space Trip
Unlike NASA’s long orbital missions, this journey was quick. The rocket flew straight up, passed the boundary of space, and then dropped back to Earth.
The capsule separated from the booster and landed with the help of parachutes.
Public Applause and Global Eyes
Millions tuned in to watch the historic launch. Social media erupted with messages of support and awe as the six women completed their short but symbolic journey.
Blue Origin’s livestream showed the moment the capsule touched down, followed by cheers and hugs from the crew.
From Science to Symbolism
Each crew member brought something unique. Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights leader, said the trip carried deep meaning.
NASA scientist Aisha Bowe hoped to inspire young girls in STEM. And filmmaker Kieranne Flynn said the flight was about pushing limits, not just for herself but for women everywhere.
The Road Ahead for Women in Space
Blue Origin has launched dozens of flights, but this one will stand out for decades. It wasn’t about technology alone. It was about visibility.
This all-female crew showed that women—from every walk of life—belong in space too.
A New Chapter in Commercial Space Travel
With celebrities joining scientists, spaceflight is no longer limited to astronauts in training for years.
Blue Origin’s mission showed that commercial space travel is growing fast—and it’s open to powerful women, not just powerful machines.
More Flights, More Firsts
This was New Shepard’s 31st mission, but likely not its last big moment. The company aims to send more civilians on brief space experiences in the coming years.
And after this flight, there’s no doubt: more women will follow.
