Blue Origin’s well-known New Shepard launch vehicle is gearing up to take its next group of celebrities and notable figures on a thrilling journey to the edge of space, where they’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Earth from over 60 miles up.
These commercial spaceflights have been a venture of billionaire Jeff Bezos’s space tech company since 2021, following the Amazon founder’s own historic trip aboard the spacecraft for its first crewed mission.
This upcoming flight marks the first in almost four years to feature some true household names, including pop sensation Katy Perry. A total of 6 women will be aboard the aircraft including Katy Perry. Curious to find out who the other 5 women are? Well, they may not be such household names such as Katy Perry, they are well-respected and established in their own fields. So let’s find out who the 5 women other than Katy Perry are to be aboard the Blue Origin Spaceflight.
5 Women Other Than Katy Perry Who Are Boarding the Blue Origin Spaceflight
1. Aisha Bowe
Credit: YouTube/@aishabowe
Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist, earned her degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s in space systems engineering from the University of Michigan. She’s currently the CEO of STEMBoard, an engineering firm that collaborates with governments and various organizations.
Additionally, Bowe founded LINGO, a company focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education technology. She’s an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Her impressive contributions have earned her several accolades, including a NASA Engineering Honor Award, the STEM for Her Woman of the Year, and a Black Enterprises Luminary Award.
2. Kerianne Flynn
Credit: Instagram
Producer Kerianne Flynn has an impressive background in documentaries and films, including “This Changes Everything” (2018), which explores the history of women in Hollywood, and “LILLY” (2024), a film about fair-pay advocate Lilly Ledbetter. Beyond her film work, she’s been actively involved as a board member and has contributed to various nonprofit initiatives at several schools and organizations in New York.
Flynn has also had a long-standing fascination with space travel. In fact, she once signed up to take a trip to space with Virgin Galactic.
3. Lauren Sánchez
Credit: YouTube
Lauren Sánchez is a remarkable woman with a diverse range of professional accomplishments. She’s not just an Emmy award-winning journalist; she’s also the founder of a female-led aerial production company. As a licensed pilot, she established Black Ops Aviation in 2016, making it a pioneering company owned by women. Additionally, she created Black Ops Aviation, which specializes in aerial film and production for both television and movies, and she even served as an aerial supervisor on Christopher Nolan’s film Dunkirk.
Now, she’s taking the lead on Blue Origin’s all-female mission. Her goal was to bring together a group of women from various backgrounds, each with unique talents and dreams. On a personal note, Lauren is engaged to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin; the couple began dating in 2019 and got engaged in 2023.
4. Gayle King
Credit: YouTube
Gayle King is a name that truly stands out in the world of American journalism. As a seasoned journalist and co-host of CBS This Morning, she’s set to join an all-female crew making history this coming Monday. While King is also the editor-at-large for O, the Oprah Magazine, this time she’s stepping into the spotlight for a different reason. Instead of reporting the news, she’ll be part of a groundbreaking event.
In 2019, Time Magazine recognized her as one of the ‘100 Most Influential People,’ a testament to her talent for engaging conversations and bold storytelling. This upcoming spaceflight is yet another incredible milestone in her already impressive career.
5. Amanda Nguyễn
Credit: YouTube
Amanda Nguyễn is set to make history as the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to become an astronaut. A proud Harvard graduate, she’s not just a bioastronautics researcher; she’s also collaborated with prestigious organizations like NASA, MIT, and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences. Beyond her impressive scientific accomplishments, Amanda is a passionate advocate for sexual assault survivors and was even nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Also Read: 5 Celebrities To Have Boarded a Blue Origin Spaceflight Before Katy Perry
A Technological Triumph
The Blue Origin spaceflight isn’t just a moment of technological triumph—it is a milestone for representation, courage, and progress. While much of the buzz centers around Katy Perry, it’s important to recognize the five incredible women who joins her on this journey. Each brings their own story, expertise, and inspiration to the mission, reminding us that space is not just for the select few, but for dreamers and doers from all walks of life. As we continue to break barriers in space exploration, let these pioneering women serve as a powerful reminder: the future of space belongs to everyone.
