In today’s world of commercial space travel, Blue Origin has really stepped up as a key player, making the dream of spaceflight a reality for those who can afford it — and yes, that includes some celebrities.
Take, for example, pop sensation Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King, both of whom joined Blue Origin’s all-female spaceflight which launched on Monday, April 14. This mission, dubbed NS-31, also featured Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, Amanda Nguyen, and Lauren Sánchez (who happens to be the partner of Blue Origin’s founder, Jeff Bezos). Each of these women is a notable figure in her own right.
Let’s not forget the other famous faces that Blue Origin has sent to suborbital space aboard its New Shepard vehicle. These brief missions have all contributed to the exciting evolution of space tourism. In this article, we look at 5 celebrities that have been on a Blue Origin Spaceflight before Katy Perry.
1. Jeff Bezos
It all kicked off with Blue Origin’s first-ever human spaceflight on July 20, 2021. Jeff Bezos himself hopped aboard the New Shepard’s NS-16 mission, turning a lifelong dream into reality and ushering in a new era of space tourism for his company. Accompanying him on this groundbreaking journey was Wally Funk, a trailblazing female aviator whose dream of going to space had been decades in the making after she was passed over in the 1960s. (Bezos’ brother Mark and Dutch student Oliver Daemen rounded out the crew on NS-16.)
2. Emily Calandrelli
Emily Calandrelli, a passionate advocate for science communication and space education, made history on November 22, 2024, when she flew on NS-28. As the host of the TV series “Emily’s Wonder Lab” and a former MIT engineer, she proudly became the 100th woman to journey into space. Her mission was met with both celebration and controversy, with some online comments being highly critical and sexist. In response, Blue Origin initially removed footage of her spaceflight, but Calandrelli later released her own version on YouTube, detailing her experience.
3. Ed Dwight
More than sixty years after being chosen as the first Black astronaut candidate for the United States (thanks to a U.S. Air Force training program that didn’t lead to a NASA position), 90-year-old Ed Dwight made history by joining the crew of NS-25, which took off on May 19, 2024. A former U.S. Air Force captain, Dwight later became a talented sculptor, celebrated for his significant contributions to both art and history.
4. Michael Strahan
Television personality and former NFL star Michael Strahan was part of Blue Origin’s inaugural six-person crew (NS-19), which took off for space on December 11, 2021. Strahan had an impressive career with the New York Giants from 1993 to 2007 and earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, the same year he became a co-host on “Good Morning America.”
5. William Shatner
At the age of 90, the iconic “Star Trek” actor William Shatner made history by becoming the oldest person to journey into space on the NS-18 mission on October 13, 2021, taking the title from 82-year-old Funk. This flight was a remarkable full-circle moment for Shatner, who is best known for his role as Captain Kirk, as he finally got to experience the wonders of space firsthand. After returning to Earth, he shared a heartfelt reflection on the delicate beauty of our planet.
Before Katy Took Off: The Star-Studded Launch List
Katy Perry’s adventure to the edge of space certainly caught everyone’s attention, but she’s not the first celebrity to take a ride on a Blue Origin flight. From Hollywood stars to sports legends, these five pioneers have made space travel feel a bit more relatable—and a whole lot more glamorous.
Their high-profile journeys not only marked significant personal achievements but also sparked a growing public fascination with commercial space exploration. As we look ahead to future missions, one thing is clear: space is rapidly becoming the latest playground for the wealthy, the famous, and the daring.
Disclaimer: We sourced the images used in this content from Blue Origin. All credit goes to the respective copyright owners. I do not claim ownership of any photos. They are used solely for informational, educational, and representational purposes.
