On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin's New Shepard launched into the cosmos with an all-female crew featuring Katy Perry and Gayle King, making space history and giving new meaning to 'girl power' at 62 miles high.

This historic mission, the first all-female space trip since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963, not only highlights the increasing role of women in space exploration but also showcases a mix of star power and scientific inquiry. The crew, including former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, conducted experiments and took fan postcards on a journey that transcended the Kármán Line, all while receiving enthusiastic support from attendees like Oprah and Kris Jenner. Clearly, when it comes to breaking barriers, these women are truly out of this world.

The flight lasted approximately 11 minutes, a duration long enough to ponder life on Earth but short enough that no one really needed to pack a lunch. Upon reaching an altitude of about 62 miles, the craft pierced into space, providing the crew with breathtaking views and the realization that the closest place to buy a snack was now far down below. As they ascended, the thrill of the moment was palpable, with both excitement and a hint of ‘what if I forgot to turn off the stove?’ lingering in the air.

One standout crew member, Katy Perry, had long waited for this chance to soar among the stars. She reportedly expressed her excitement just prior to takeoff, indicating that this was not just any launch but a glorious culmination of dreams. In a world where the average person struggles to comprehend living beyond a six-hour flight, Perry’s sentiments resonated: it’s not simply about the destination, but the Instagram posts that will ensue once you land back home.

The presence of Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist who now serves as a CEO, on the crew brought an air of serious business to an otherwise star-studded lineup. Her qualifications suggest she likely knew which buttons to press, while the others focused on the more pressing issue of aligning their selfies with the backdrop of Earth below. After all, utilizing the beauty of a blue marble thousands of miles below might just require a certain degree of finesse.

The mission also featured various experiments designed to further our understanding of space and perhaps see if the effects of low gravity have any correlation to the number of likes on social media posts. The crew did not miss the chance to involve their fans in this interstellar adventure, bringing postcards submitted by supporters along for the ride. One can only imagine the sentiments penned by those earthbound enthusiasts, ranging from inspirational quotes to tips on how to maintain a good hair day in the event of zero gravity.

The all-female crew donned specially designed flight suits, embracing the theme of style over necessity, proving that even in space, fashion should never be an afterthought. After all, if you can't look good while defying gravity, you might as well stay home.

As cameras captured the moment, celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Kris Jenner, and Khloe Kardashian lent their star power to the launch, effectively turning the event into an unsanctioned red-carpet. Their attendance may have provided the crew with a sense of comfort—if anything went wrong, at least they had a strong set of publicists to navigate any potential PR fallout. As the countdown concluded and the rocket soared, these notable figures cheered enthusiastically, which was nice considering that high-profile guest appearances usually result in self-referential points of interest.

Blue Origin’s New Shepard program has now completed its 11th human flight, further solidifying its position as a major player in the race for commercial space travel. As more significant milestones are reached, the question remains: will there ever be an all-male crew that accompanies such unforgettable all-women flights in the future? Or perhaps, more verifiably, will any male celebrity dare to take the passenger seat next time? As the spotlights shined bright on this moment, it became clear that the voids of the past are being filled—not by astronauts in suits but by iconic women redefining possibilities.

The event was a significant leap, reminiscent more of a concert's opening than a scientific expedition, signaling that space travel could be more than just a destination for the ambitious but rather a new frontier of social engagement. While we might still struggle to find suitable applications for these spectacular journeys, for now, it certainly provides a reason to dream big — even if that means strutting around in space suits while dodging the realization that you might soon be needing to get back to earthly commitments.

So, with a roar and the heart-stirring sight of these trailblazing women rising above expected skies, the launch not only paved the way for a more diverse representation but also gave each of them a reason to honor their inner cosmic goddess. As they came back to Earth, they likely returned not just with newfound knowledge but also with incredible selfies to secure their places in the annals of space history. After all, in the end, every journey into the stars brings us home—although one hopes perhaps not to that questionable casserole you completely forgot about.