On Monday, six women launched into space aboard a Blue Origin rocket, making history as the first all-female civilian spaceflight. Pop star Katy Perry joined the high-profile mission alongside Lauren Sanchez, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. The crew took off from Blue Origin’s West Texas facility at 9:31 a.m. ET, briefly experiencing weightlessness before returning to Earth in 11 minutes.
Blue Origin broadcast the suborbital flight live, showcasing the New Shepard vehicle’s capabilities. The rocket, designed by Jeff Bezos’ company, emphasises reusability and goals for space travel. The team donned specially made suits that represented both safety and style.
Katy Perry, carrying a flower in memory of her daughter, sang “What a Wonderful World” during her comeback. Oprah Winfrey, visibly emotional, was among the celebrities witnessing the event, joined by Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian.
This is the first all-female flight since Valentina Tereshkova’s 1963 solo expedition. While ticket prices are unknown, estimations imply expenses of up to half a million dollars per seat.
Despite Blue Origin’s attempts to increase access to space, experts feel economic viability is still a long way off. However, this mission represents a significant milestone in civilian and female-led space exploration.
