Blue Origin NS-31: An All-Female Journey to the Edge of Space
In a historic milestone for commercial space travel, Blue Origin successfully completed the NS-31 mission, marking the eleventh launch of the New Shepard space tourism program. This mission utilized a remotely piloted launch rocket to carry a capsule of passengers into sub-orbital space—a flight path that reaches the edge of space without completing a full orbit around the Earth.
Organized by pilot and journalist Lauren Sánchez, the mission was distinguished by its crew composition, featuring six prominent women from diverse professional backgrounds. The passengers, announced on February 27, 2025, included Sánchez, NASA aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, pop star Katy Perry, film producer Kerianne Flynn, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and journalist Gayle King.
Among the crew, Amanda Nguyen brought a unique perspective to the flight; having previously trained as an astronaut, she transitioned her focus toward activism following a personal experience with sexual assault.
Key Facts
- Mission: NS-31, the 11th New Shepard launch.
- Date: April 14, 2025.
- Duration: 10 minutes and 21 seconds.
- Altitude: Crossed the Kármán line (the internationally recognized boundary of space).
- Crew: Six women, the first all-female passenger crew since 1963.
- Milestones: First Bahamian (Aisha Bowe) and first woman of Vietnamese descent (Amanda Nguyen) to reach space.
Breaking Barriers in Spaceflight
The NS-31 mission represents a significant cultural moment in aerospace history. It was the first spaceflight featuring only female passengers since the 1963 Vostok 6 mission, where Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to enter space.
Beyond the historical precedent, the mission celebrated individual achievements. Aisha Bowe became the first Bahamian person to fly to space, while Amanda Nguyen became the first woman of Vietnamese descent to do so.
A Fusion of Fashion and Flight
For this mission, the crew wore specialized attire created by Monse, a fashion house founded by creative directors previously associated with Oscar de la Renta. While designed specifically for women, these garments are categorized as "spacesuits" in name only; unlike functional suits used for extravehicular activity, they do not provide protection against decompression.
Mission Timeline and Experience
The flight launched from the Blue Origin Launch Site southeast of El Paso, Texas, on April 14, 2025, at 13:30:00 UTC (8:30 am CDT). The journey lasted a total of 10 minutes and 21 seconds, during which the passengers experienced several minutes of weightlessness after crossing the Kármán line.
During the period of microgravity, Katy Perry shared a personal moment, singing a portion of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." She also held a daisy in tribute to her daughter, Daisy, and a setlist for her upcoming The Lifetimes Tour.
The spacecraft touched down safely in the desert approximately 11 minutes after liftoff. The crew was greeted by a ground team that included Jeff Bezos, as well as notable guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Mae Jemison, Kris Jenner, and Khloe Kardashian.
Mission Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | April 14, 2025 |
| Launch Site | El Paso, Texas |
| Flight Duration | 10m 21s |
| Crew Size | 6 (All Female) |
| Vehicle | New Shepard |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kármán line?
The Kármán line is the internationally recognized boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space.
Who were the passengers on the NS-31 mission?
The passengers were Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, Amanda Nguyen, and Gayle King.
Did the passengers wear functional spacesuits?
No. The attire designed by Monse was for aesthetic and branding purposes and did not provide technical protection against decompression.
What historical records were broken during this flight?
It was the first all-female passenger flight since 1963. Additionally, Aisha Bowe became the first Bahamian and Amanda Nguyen became the first woman of Vietnamese descent to reach space.
How long did the flight last?
The total flight time was 10 minutes and 21 seconds, with the capsule landing about 11 minutes after liftoff.