Blue Origin’s NS-31 to Launch First All-Female Crew on April 14
Blue Origin has announced its 11th human spaceflight, NS-31, scheduled to launch on Monday, April 14, from Launch Site One in West Texas. Blue Origin’s NS-31 will mark a historic moment as the company sends its first all-female crew into space.
The six-person team includes former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyễn, journalist Gayle King, global pop icon Katy Perry, filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, and pilot-author Lauren Sánchez.
Launch Details and Mission Goals
The New Shepard launch window opens at 8:30 a.m. CDT (13:30 UTC). NS-31 will be the 31st flight of the New Shepard program and the 11th to carry humans. To date, 52 people have flown with the program above the Kármán line, the internationally recognised edge of space.
Lauren Sánchez, who played a key role in assembling the crew, described the mission as a journey to challenge perspectives, inspire storytelling, and create a lasting impact.
Meet the Blue Origin’s NS-31 Crew
Aisha Bowe
Aisha is a former NASA engineer and the CEO of STEMBoard. She is also the founder of LINGO, a platform helping students develop tech skills. Of Bahamian heritage, Aisha hopes her journey inspires students worldwide, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Amanda Nguyễn
Amanda is a bioastronautics researcher and Nobel Peace Prize nominee. She contributed to NASA’s STS-135 shuttle mission and the Kepler project. Her presence on the flight symbolises reconciliation between the US and Vietnam, highlighting science as a force for peace.
Gayle King
An award-winning journalist and co-host of CBS Mornings, Gayle King is known for her insightful interviews. Embracing this new adventure, she looks forward to pushing her boundaries on Blue Origin’s first all-female crew.
Katy Perry
One of the most successful artists in music history, Katy Perry brings global recognition to the mission. Through her Firework Foundation and work with UNICEF, she champions children’s rights and hopes her flight inspires the next generation—including her own daughter.
Kerianne Flynn
With a background in fashion, HR, and film production, Kerianne Flynn focuses on community service and storytelling. Her film work includes This Changes Everything and LILLY. She hopes the mission encourages young dreamers like her son to reach for the stars.
Lauren Sánchez
An Emmy-winning journalist and skilled helicopter pilot, Lauren is the Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund and founder of Black Ops Aviation. She recently published a bestselling children’s book and is a passionate advocate for aviation and exploration.
NS-31 Mission Patch and Symbolism
Blue Origin has also revealed the NS-31 mission patch. Each crew member is represented by a unique symbol:
A target star for Aisha Bowe’s STEM advocacy.
Scales of justice for Amanda Nguyễn’s civil rights work.
A shooting star microphone for Gayle King’s journalism.
A firework for Katy Perry’s cultural influence.
A film reel for Kerianne Flynn’s storytelling passion.
Flynn the Fly, from Lauren Sánchez’s children’s book, symbolising resilience and inspiration.
This mission marks the first all-female space crew since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963, underscoring a milestone in the history of spaceflight.
with inputs from Reuters