Blue Origin Celebrates First All-Female Flight Amid Critics

West Texas, April 14, 2025 — Blue Origin‘s historic all-female flight crew returned to Earth on Monday after a successful 11-minute journey to the edge of space. The flight, which took place aboard the New Shepard rocket, included prominent figures such as singer Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and rocket scientist Aisha Bowe.

During a press conference following their return, King addressed criticism surrounding the mission, stating, “Anybody that’s criticizing it doesn’t really understand what is happening here.” Her comments followed a wave of skepticism, particularly from actress Olivia Munn, who questioned the significance of the flight.

The mission marked Blue Origin’s 31st flight overall and highlighted its commitment to diversity by being the first all-female crew since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963. King emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “We can all speak to the response we’re getting from young women and girls about what this represents.”

Other crew members shared similar sentiments. Bowe recounted her journey into aerospace engineering, revealing, “I went from pre-algebra in community college to two degrees in aerospace engineering to working for NASA.” She urged critics to consider the positive impact of such missions on young aspiring female scientists.

Sánchez, Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, expressed her frustration with the negative commentary, remarking, “I would love to have them come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees who put their heart and soul into this vehicle.” Her passion resonated with the crew’s mission to inspire the next generation.

In her previous television appearance, Munn shared her views, suggesting that the mission should focus on more pressing global issues. “What’s the point? Is it historic that you guys are going on a ride? I think it’s a bit gluttonous,” she stated. Her comments ignited debate, with many asserting that space exploration serves humanity’s progress.

As an emotional highlight of the flight, Perry sang a few lines of “What a Wonderful World” upon returning, expressing a deepened connection to life. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to sing at all, but I did come around to it,” she said. King noted that the song was a perfect choice for the occasion.

The 11-minute flight, which ascended to 100 kilometers above Earth, enabled the crew to experience moments of weightlessness. The return to Earth was marked by a parachute-assisted landing. King and Perry were captured kissing the ground, expressing their gratitude for the experience.

Blue Origin, founded in 2000, aims to pioneer commercial space travel and has yet to disclose full ticket prices, although a $150,000 deposit is required to reserve a place. As the space tourism industry evolves, critics highlight the environmental impact and exclusivity of such flights.

While some argue that these missions are primarily for entertainment, supporters claim they inspire innovation and expand access to space. Environmental concerns regarding rocket launches continue to grow, with experts warning about the potential harm to the ozone layer.

In conclusion, Blue Origin’s all-female flight represents not just a journey to space, but a step forward in challenging stereotypes and encouraging future generations to dream big.