On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin‘s New Shepard rocket launched its 11th crewed mission, NS-31, marking a significant milestone in space exploration with an all-female crew. The suborbital flight, lasting 10 minutes and 21 seconds, ascended to the Kármán line—recognized as the boundary of space—before returning safely to Earth.
“Seeing women from such varied backgrounds—science, activism, media—come together for this mission is incredibly empowering. It shows that space is for everyone,” said WCC Engineering Student Emily R.
The six women aboard NS-31 were:
- Aisha Bowe: former NASA aerospace engineer and CEO of STEMBoard, dedicated to promoting STEM education;
- Amanda Nguyen: civil rights activist and bioastronautics researcher, known for her advocacy in human rights;
- Gayle King: journalist and television personality, recognized for her influential media presence;
- Katy Perry: pop singer and songwriter, aiming to inspire through her musical career;
- Kerianne Flynn: film producer, contributing to the entertainment industry through various projects;
- Lauren Sánchez: pilot and journalist, also the fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, who played a pivotal role in organizing the mission.
This mission was historic as it was the first all-female crewed spaceflight since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963. The flight aimed to inspire future generations and challenge perceptions of space exploration.
“This mission proves that the future of space isn’t limited by gender. It’s about skill, passion, and vision. As an engineering student, it motivates me to think bigger and push further,” said WCC Engineering Student, Jacob Hartnet.
Not all students were convinced by the significance of the mission, however. Some questioned whether the brief suborbital trip truly qualified as space travel:
“It was cool, but I’m not sure I’d call it ‘going to space.’ They were up there for like 10 minutes and didn’t orbit or anything. Still, it’s a step, I guess,” said WCC student Tariq M.
The mission was funded by Blue Origin, the private aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos. Bezos was present at the launch site in Van Horn, Texas, to witness the historic event and welcome the crew upon their return.
Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission represents a significant step toward inclusivity and diversity in space exploration. By showcasing an all-female crew, the mission not only celebrated the achievements of these remarkable women but also sparked important conversations about what it means to truly explore space—and who gets to be part of that journey.
