On Monday, April 14th, Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission made headlines as it launched an all-female crew into space. This flight lasted around 10 minutes and 21 seconds, and reached an altitude of over 60 miles, crossing the Kármán line and officially entering space. The crew included Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, and Kerianne Flynn, marking the first all-female crewed spaceflight since 1963. Together, they represented a diverse range of fields, all united by their participation in this groundbreaking mission. But who are they, and why were they chosen?
Aisha Bowe
Aisha Bowe, born in 1991, is an aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in STEM. She earned her degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and worked for NASA before founding her own aerospace company, Jetbloom, which focuses on space-related innovations and education for underrepresented communities. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing opportunities for women and minorities in science and technology, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers and astronauts. She was selected for the Blue Origin space flight because of her background as an accomplished engineer. Her participation showcased the growing role of women in aerospace and space tourism. Aisha Bowe’s leadership and advocacy for STEM education made her an ideal representative for Blue Origin’s mission to encourage diversity and inclusion in the space industry.
Amanda Nguyen
Amanda Nguyen, born on October 10, 1991, in California, is a civil rights activist, bioastronautics researcher, and the founder of Rise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for sexual assault survivors’ rights. After surviving sexual assault during her time at Harvard University, she drafted the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act, which was passed unanimously by the U.S. Congress in 2016. She has also been recognized as one of Time’s 2022 Women of the Year and has received several accolades for her advocacy work. On April 14th, 2025, she made history as the first Vietnamese-American woman to fly into space aboard Blue Origin’s mission. During the flight, Amanda Nguyen conducted experiments related to women’s health and plant biology, furthering her commitment to advancing scientific research and representation in STEM fields.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry, born on October 25, 1984, in California, is a globally renowned pop star and songwriter. She is also an advocate for causes like mental health and women’s rights. She has always pushed boundaries in her music and public image. She was chosen for Blue Origin’s spaceflight to highlight gender equality in space and promote space tourism. Her huge fan base and influence helped bring attention to the mission, showing that space exploration is becoming more inclusive and accessible to everyone.
Lauren Sánchez
Lauren Sánchez was born on December 19, 1969, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a licensed pilot, philanthropist, and fiancée to the Blue Origin founder, Jeff Bezos. She began her career as a desk assistant and later became a news anchor and reporter at various stations. She is also a best-selling author after releasing her debut children’s book, The Fly Who Flew To Space, in 2024. Her extensive media experience and advocacy for women’s empowerment made her an ideal candidate to represent the mission’s goals. Her participation showcased the increasing involvement of women in aerospace and inspired future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
Gayle King
Gayle King, born December 28, 1954, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is a prominent American television host and journalist. She is best known for being co-anchor of CBS Mornings and as editor-at-large of O, The Oprah Magazine. She has had several high-profile interviews with people such as former President Barack Obama, R. Kelly, and Elon Musk. In February 2025, Gayle King was announced as a passenger on Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission. Her selection was in part because of her role as a trailblazer for women in media and her commitment to breaking barriers in various fields.
Kerianne Flynn
Kerianne Flynn is an American film producer and philanthropist known for her work on films like This Changes Everything (2018) and Lilly (2024). Before entering the film industry, she had a career in human resources with companies such as French Connection and Victoria’s Secret. Flynn is also active in various charitable organizations, serving on boards like the Coalition for the Homeless and the Children’s Health Fund. Her participation highlighted her commitment to storytelling and representation, aligning with her film projects that focus on women’s issues. Her involvement also emphasized her dedication to breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender. Her flight into space serves as evidence of the growing role of women in aerospace and the importance of diverse representation in all fields.
Despite all of these achievements, the flight did not go without criticism. Celebrities like Olivia Munn labeled the mission as “gluttonous”, questioning the environmental impact and the ethical implications of space tourism. Some argue that advertising space tourism is inappropriate when many people are struggling to even afford basic amenities. Some commentators felt that the mission, while framed as a feminist milestone, was superficial. The flight’s focus on celebrity participants overshadowed the contributions of engineers and scientists who are crucial to space exploration.
Overall, while Blue Origin’s historic all-female flight sparked both excitement and criticism, it undeniably pushed the boundaries of space exploration and ignited important conversations about inclusivity, ethics, and the future of space tourism.
