Katy Perry joins first all-women Blue Origin space crew, says ‘I LOVE YOU’ on X: Everything to know about NS-31 mission & where to watch

For the first time since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963, an all-women crew is heading to space—this time aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft. With pop icon Katy Perry joining journalist Gayle King, Jeff Bezos’ partner Lauren Sanchez, film producer Kerianne Flynn, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen, and aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, the mission is a major moment in space history. Scheduled to launch from West Texas, this is Blue Origin’s 31st flight, and its 11th crewed venture. The NS-31 flight is designed not only to break boundaries in space tourism but also to spotlight gender diversity in science and technology. On Monday, Perry posted on her X handle:?I LOVE YOU

A diverse dream team: Meet the six women going to space

From entertainment to activism and engineering, the six-member crew is a mix of talent and achievement. Katy Perry brings global pop star power to the capsule, while Gayle King adds media representation. Lauren Sanchez, also the mission’s key planner, is joined by Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights figure; Kerianne Flynn, a film producer; and Aisha Bowe, a NASA rocket scientist turned entrepreneur.

The women completed pre-launch training at Blue Origin’s Van Horn site in Texas. Their suborbital journey will take them beyond the Kármán line—100 km above Earth—which is also the edge of space. Though brief, the mission promises a powerful statement on inclusion in space exploration.

Gayle King balances fear and excitement before liftoff

Gayle King, a veteran television journalist | Credit: X

Gayle King, a veteran television journalist, admitted feeling both scared and thrilled. She compared the anticipation to childbirth—an emotional mix of anxiety and joy. In a conversation shared on “CBS Mornings,” she said she sought reassurance from her children and Oprah Winfrey.

Oprah's advice to go ahead, lest she regret missing the chance, helped seal King’s decision. She plans to bring personal items like her grandson’s keepsake and photos. As she told Elle, she even wishes for background music during their time in orbit—adding a personal and emotional layer to her journey.

Where to watch it live?

The launch will be live-streamed on Blue Origin’s official website and affiliated platforms, allowing people across the world to witness the event in real time. This all-female flight, coordinated under Jeff Bezos’ company, is an important chapter in the narrative of commercial space travel. It bridges science with popular culture, and dreams with reality, as six women get ready to leave Earth—even if just for a few minutes

More than a quick ride: Why NS-31 matters

Though the actual flight will last only around 11 minutes, its cultural and symbolic significance is immense. The New Shepard rocket will cross the Kármán line, recognized as the edge of space at about 100 kilometers above Earth. Blue Origin’s livestream of the event ensures that people worldwide can witness this landmark mission. With custom Monse flight suits and a focus on style, excitement, and inclusivity, the mission makes is a strong statement in a field long dominated by men.?

Katy Perry joins first all-women Blue Origin space crew | Credit: X

What this means for women in space

This launch is as it represents a clear commitment to diversifying the face of space exploration. Lauren Sánchez, who played a key role in organizing the mission, wanted to make this a moment that inspired girls across the globe. From highlighting gender inclusivity to giving each crew member space to express their personality and purpose, the NS-31 launch is a step toward reshaping the narrative of who gets to explore beyond Earth.

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