Katy Perry to Soar into Space with All-Female Crew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard Mission

Katy Perry is preparing to travel into space on a mission led by Lauren Sanchez. The 40-year-old pop star will join an all-woman crew aboard the New Shepard NS-31 rocket, a flight organized by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Even though Elton John once sang about being a “rocket man,” it’s Katy Perry who is now set to make this space journey. The idea for the mission came from Lauren Sanchez, a journalist and the wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos.

The six-member team includes Katy Perry, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bio-astronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sanchez herself. This flight will be the 11th human journey with the New Shepard program, which takes paying passengers to the edge of space.

CBS Mornings shared on social media that Gayle King will be “going where few have gone before,” hinting that viewers will soon have the chance to see her space adventure in the spring. In her own social media video, the 55-year-old Lauren Sanchez expressed hope that the mission would inspire everyone to dream big. She recalled how, as a child, she spent time at hangars with her dad, who taught people how to fly, and how her dream of becoming a pilot felt huge. Now, she believes that going to space is an even bigger achievement. Sanchez praised the women on the crew, noting that they excel in their fields and are great storytellers. She hopes that their journey will not only change their lives but also encourage others to reach for the stars.

Blue Origin has been offering short trips to space for tourists since 2021. Some passengers have received free rides, while others have paid a significant amount to experience weightlessness. Jeff Bezos, one of the world’s richest men, even took part in the inaugural flight along with his brother.