In a historic moment for space tourism, pop icon Katy Perry joined five other women on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket for the first all-female spaceflight in over six decades. The New Shepard rocket launched from West Texas, carrying the crew 66 miles (107 kilometers) above Earth for a 10-minute, fully automated journey that offered breathtaking views and moments of weightlessness. Among the trailblazing women were Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV journalist, and veteran CBS presenter Gayle King.
Diverse crew takes flight
Sánchez invited the diverse group, which included film producer Kerianne Flynn; Aisha Bowe, a former NASA engineer and STEM education advocate; and Amanda Nguyen, a scientist and activist for survivors of sexual violence. The flight, a dazzling blend of star power and accomplishment, underscored the growing accessibility of space for the wealthy, well-connected, and fortunate, moving beyond the realm of professional astronauts.
Emotional moments in space
As they marveled at Earth’s curvature, Perry, deeply moved, sang “What a Wonderful World” during the weightless phase, opting for its timeless resonance over her own hits like “Roar.” King, who admitted to being an anxious flyer, called the experience transformative, kneeling to kiss the ground upon landing. Perry described feeling “super connected to life,” capturing the emotional weight of the journey.
A milestone for blue origin
Blue Origin did not disclose the flight’s cost or payment details, but the trip highlighted the exclusivity of space tourism, coming two months before Sánchez and Bezos’ planned wedding in Venice. After touchdown, Bezos greeted the crew, embracing Sánchez as she emerged first from the capsule. The women’s joy was palpable, with Perry and King visibly awestruck by their adventure. This mission marked another milestone in Blue Origin’s push to democratize space travel, showcasing a crew of accomplished women breaking barriers. Their journey not only celebrated human curiosity and resilience but also inspired awe, proving space is increasingly within reach for those daring to dream.
( Inputs from AP )
