In a historic move, Blue Origin is preparing to launch its first all-female crew aboard the NS-31 mission this spring. Bringing together six trailblazing women from diverse fields, this mission promises to inspire future generations to reach beyond the stars. From a former NASA scientist to a global pop icon, meet the extraordinary women who are redefining space exploration.
Breaking New Ground in Space Exploration
This spring, Blue Origin’s New Shepard program is set to make history once again with its NS-31 mission—the first all-female crewed flight since Valentina Tereshkova’s groundbreaking solo journey in 1963. The mission not only marks the 11th human flight for New Shepard but also represents a monumental leap forward for women in space exploration.
The NS-31 crew is an extraordinary lineup of women who have shattered glass ceilings across various fields. Led by Lauren Sánchez, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, pilot, and Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, this mission brings together a diverse group of leaders, each with a powerful story and a passion for inspiring future generations.
Aisha Bowe — From Rocket Science to Space Dreams
A former NASA rocket scientist and the CEO of STEMBoard, Aisha Bowe has dedicated her career to expanding access to STEM education. Her edtech company, LINGO, aims to equip one million students with essential tech skills. As the first Black woman with a Bahamian heritage to journey to space, Aisha hopes her story will empower young people around the globe to reach beyond societal limits.
Amanda Nguyen — Science as a Tool for Peace
Harvard-educated bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen has contributed to missions like NASA’s STS-135 and the Kepler exoplanet program. Known for her advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, Amanda was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and named TIME’s Woman of the Year. As the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to venture into space, Amanda’s participation symbolizes a powerful reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam.
Gayle King — Fearless Storytelling Beyond Earth
An award-winning journalist and co-host of CBS Mornings, Gayle King has built her career on authenticity and impactful storytelling. As a member of the NS-31 crew, Gayle aims to inspire audiences to embrace new adventures and push past their comfort zones.
Katy Perry — Empowering the Next Generation
Global pop icon Katy Perry, known for her philanthropic efforts as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, joins the mission with a personal goal: to inspire her daughter and young women worldwide to aim for the stars. Through her Firework Foundation, Katy has worked tirelessly to empower children from underserved communities, making her a fitting representative for this historic flight.
Kerianne Flynn — From Film to the Final Frontier
With a background in fashion, human resources, and nonprofit work, Kerianne Flynn has dedicated the past decade to community building and storytelling. Her work as a producer of impactful films, such as This Changes Everything and LILLY, reflects her passion for amplifying women’s voices. For Kerianne, this mission is an opportunity to inspire her son and future generations to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Lauren Sánchez — A Vision for the Future
As the founder of Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial film production company, Lauren Sánchez has transformed her love for aviation into a platform for change. Her leadership on the NS-31 mission aligns with her broader vision to inspire the next generation of explorers and advocates for environmental sustainability.
A New Chapter for Women in Space
The NS-31 mission is not just about setting records; it’s about changing the way we think about who belongs in space. For decades, the image of an astronaut was dominated by a single profile—male, military, and stoic. Today, as six remarkable women prepare to launch aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, they’re sending a powerful message to every girl who has ever dreamed of exploring the stars: space is for everyone.
This mission is more than an impressive achievement. It’s a story of resilience, of breaking stereotypes, and of showing the world that leadership in space can look different. Each member of the NS-31 crew brings a fresh perspective—shaped by personal challenges, ambition, and a determination to open doors for others. Their diverse backgrounds in science, media, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship prove that there’s no single path to space.
For Aisha Bowe, the journey from community college to CEO and now astronaut shows that big dreams can come from anywhere and that obstacles are just challenges to overcome. Amanda Nguyen’s involvement turns space exploration into something more meaningful—a symbol of reconciliation and peace, proving that science can help heal divides. Meanwhile, Katy Perry’s role as a cultural icon goes beyond her music, encouraging young girls to see themselves not just as witnesses to space history but as future creators of it.
The presence of Gayle King, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez on this mission highlights something just as important: storytelling has the power to bring space exploration closer to us. Beyond the rockets and the technology, it’s the personal stories—the fears, dreams, and hopes of those who dare to go—that truly inspire. By sharing their journeys, these women remind us that the impact of space exploration is not just about how far we go, but how deeply we connect with the world and each other.
As we look forward to this launch, it’s worth thinking about what it means for the next generation. The real success of the NS-31 mission won’t just be in reaching space but in the waves it creates back on Earth—sparking curiosity, empowering communities, and encouraging young women to see themselves as scientists, engineers, pilots, and leaders. In a world that often tells women to stay grounded, this mission boldly declares that the sky is just the beginning.
