Blue Origin is set to make history by launching an all-female crew into space, marking the first such mission since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963.

The crew includes pop sensation Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, Lauren Sanchez (partner of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos), civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
This mission, designated NS-31, is the 31st flight of Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft and the 11th crewed flight.

The launch is scheduled to take place at Blue Origin’s West Texas site, with the window opening at 7:00 pm ISR.

The crew, which arrived at the launch site a day before for training and vehicle orientation, will experience a suborbital flight, reaching an altitude of over 100 km above Earth, crossing the Krmn line, which is recognised as the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and space.

This historic mission aims to highlight gender diversity in space exploration, a field traditionally dominated by men.

Katy Perry’s involvement brings a unique blend of entertainment and cultural appeal, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in space.

The American popstar shared a video on her Instagram, expressing her happiness about the mission. "I’ve dreamed of going to space for 15 years and tomorrow that dream becomes a reality.....I am SO honoured to be alongside 5 other incredible and inspiring women as we become the first ever all female flight space crew!" she wrote.

The crew will wear specially designed Monse flight suits, tailored to emphasise style and excitement in space travel. Lauren Sanchez, who orchestrated the flight, believes these suits will add a stylish touch to the mission.

The flight will be brief, lasting about 11 minutes, but its impact is expected to be significant. It will be live-streamed on Blue Origin’s website and other platforms, allowing global audiences to witness this groundbreaking event.

India Today Science will bring you all the updates from the historic flight.

As Blue Origin continues to push boundaries in space tourism, this mission underscores the company’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity in space exploration.

The NS-31 mission is not just a commercial space but a symbolic step forward for women in STEM fields.