Pop icon Katy Perry reached for the stars — quite literally — as she joined five other trailblazing women on a historic Blue Origin spaceflight, making it the first all-female crewed mission in over 60 years. The mission, operated by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, was launched from West Texas on April 14, propelling the passengers to the edge of space in a breathtaking 11-minute journey.
The All-Female Crew That Made History
Joining Perry on the New Shepard spacecraft were:
- Lauren Sanchez – Bezos’ fiancée and pilot
- Gayle King – CBS host and veteran journalist
- Aisha Bowe – Former NASA rocket scientist
- Amanda Nguyen – Scientist and civil rights activist
- Kerianne Flynn – Film producer
The crew soared beyond the Kármán Line — the internationally accepted boundary of space located 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level — experiencing a brief moment of weightlessness before descending safely back to Earth.
“It was a life-altering moment. I’ve never felt more alive,” Katy Perry shared in a post-flight statement.
Watch the Launch Highlights
✨ Weightless and limitless. pic.twitter.com/GQgHd0aw7i
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) April 14, 2025
Why This Flight Matters
While Blue Origin has previously flown high-profile passengers, this mission marks a powerful moment for female representation in space exploration. The last all-women space mission occurred over six decades ago, and this flight reaffirms the evolving inclusivity of civilian space travel.
Since Blue Origin began its civilian missions in 2021, a total of 58 individuals have flown aboard its New Shepard spacecraft.
Want to Book a Blue Origin Flight? Here’s What to Know
Basic Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must fill out a reservation form on the Blue Origin website including a 500-word self-description
Cost of a Civilian Spaceflight:
- While Blue Origin doesn’t disclose fixed pricing, a $150,000 fully refundable deposit is required to begin the booking process.
- In 2021, a seat was auctioned for $28 million
- Industry competitors like Virgin Galactic charge between $200,000 to $450,000
Do Celebrities Pay to Fly?
Not always. According to reports, Blue Origin often invites influential personalities and celebrities to fly for free as “guests” to align with brand and mission goals. Past free-flyers include:
- William Shatner (Star Trek)
- Michael Strahan (TV Host)
For the April 14 flight, sources revealed that “some passengers” paid, while others flew as honored guests — although Blue Origin has not confirmed who paid.
Roman Chiporukha, co-founder of SpaceVIP, told The Observer:
“It’s not just about money. It’s about who you are, your social capital, and how well you align with the company’s vision.”
Blue Origin New Shepard at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 100+ km (Kármán Line) |
| Total Passengers | Up to 6 per flight |
| Duration | Approx. 11 minutes |
| Weightlessness | 3–4 minutes in microgravity |
| Launch Site | West Texas |
| Civilian Launches | Since 2021 |
A New Chapter for Women in Space
This all-female flight isn’t just a symbolic achievement — it’s a clear message that space is becoming more accessible and inclusive. Whether you’re a scientist, artist, journalist, or activist, the stars are no longer out of reach.
