A global pop icon known for dazzling performances and chart-topping hits is now set to make history — this time, not on stage, but among the stars.
Pop superstar Katy Perry is preparing to make history as part of Blue Origin’s upcoming NS-31 mission. The flight will feature the company’s first all-female crew, set to launch this spring.
Perry will join astronaut hopeful Aisha Bowe, activist Amanda Nguyen, journalist Gayle King, investor Kerianne Flynn, and media personality Lauren Sánchez on the mission.
Katy Perry at iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball 2024 at Madison Square Garden on December 13, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
Blue Origin officially announced the crew lineup on February 27, 2025. According to the company, the NS-31 flight will mark New Shepard’s 11th human voyage.
This milestone mission highlights the growing presence of female pioneers in the space industry, with all six crew members representing different fields, from music and media to science and social activism.
Perry, known globally for her chart-topping hits and groundbreaking performances, will soon add space traveler to her extensive resume.
Katy Perry is seen in a photo, dated October 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/katyperry
She holds the title of Capitol Records’ top-selling female artist and has accumulated over 115 billion streams throughout her career.
Beyond her musical achievements, Perry is also recognized for her humanitarian work. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and supports children in underserved communities through her Firework Foundation.
Katy Perry attends the LuisaViaRoma for Unicef event at La Certosa di San Giacomo on July 31, 2021, in Capri, Italy | Source: Getty Images
The singer expressed her excitement and sense of purpose for the upcoming flight in a heartfelt Instagram post. Reflecting on her journey, Perry wrote, “If you had told me that I would be part of the first ever all-female crew in space, I would have believed you.”
She continued by sharing how her childhood imagination fueled her dreams, despite growing up with limited means.
Perry added that her determination to inspire her daughter played a crucial role in her decision to join the mission. “That’s why this opportunity is so incredible — so that I can show all of the youngest & most vulnerable among us to reach for the stars, literally and figuratively.”
“I work hard to live my life that way still, and I am motivated more than ever to be an example for my daughter that women should take up space (pun intended),” expressed the “Roar” singer.
While preparing for her spaceflight, Perry is also getting ready to launch her latest musical journey, “The Lifetimes Tour,” which kicks off this April. Balancing rehearsals with astronaut training, Katy Perry’s year ahead promises to be one of her most ambitious yet.
Besides Perry, the space mission includes five other aspiring female figures with notable profiles. Aisha Bowe brings a strong scientific background to the mission.
A former NASA rocket scientist and entrepreneur, Bowe serves as CEO of STEMBoard, an engineering firm recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. She also founded LINGO, an educational platform focused on equipping students with essential tech skills.
Of Bahamian descent, Bowe hopes her journey from community college to space will inspire young people both in the Bahamas and across the world to pursue their ambitions.
Amanda Nguyen’s resume blends science and social activism. As a bioastronautics researcher and Harvard graduate, Nguyen has contributed to projects at NASA, MIT, and the Harvard Center for Astrophysics.
Her work includes research on NASA’s final shuttle mission, STS-135, and the Kepler exoplanet mission. Beyond science, Nguyen is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a TIME Woman of the Year for her advocacy on behalf of sexual violence survivors.
As the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to go to space, her flight symbolizes hope and reconciliation between Vietnam and the United States.
Veteran journalist Gayle King adds a powerful media voice to the group. Known for her work as co-host of “CBS Mornings,” King is recognized for her ability to engage in thoughtful, meaningful conversations.
Alongside her journalism career, she also hosts “Gayle King in the House” on SiriusXM and serves as editor-at-large for “Oprah Daily.” King shared her excitement about the flight, explaining that even though the idea of space travel is intimidating, she is eager to embrace the adventure.
CBS Mornings even dedicated a special Instagram post to celebrate King, which read in part, “Our very own @gayleking is going where few have gone before — aboard a historic @blueorigin flight into space…. Tune in this spring to watch Gayle take to the skies.”
Kerianne Flynn brings her creative and philanthropic spirit to the team. After a career in fashion and human resources, Flynn turned her attention to nonprofit work and film production.
She has served on the boards of organizations like The High Line and Hudson River Park. As a producer, her films — “This Changes Everything” (2018) and “LILLY” (2024)—have explored gender equity and fair pay. Flynn hopes her spaceflight will inspire her son, Dex, and encourage young dreamers to pursue their explorations.
Lauren Sánchez, who played a key role in bringing the mission together, is no stranger to aviation. An Emmy Award-winning journalist, pilot, and Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, Sánchez founded Black Ops Aviation, the first female-owned aerial production company.
She also authored the bestselling children’s book “The Fly Who Flew to Space,” released in 2024. Reflecting on the upcoming flight, Sánchez called the opportunity “even bigger” than her childhood dream of becoming a pilot.
