When six women, ranging from a pop superstar to a Nobel-nominated activist, blasted off aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, they weren’t just crossing the Kármán line; they were breaking barriers. The NS-31 mission, launched on April 14, 2025, marked the first all-female crewed spaceflight since 1963. Featuring high-profile figures such as pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn, the flight was promoted as a historic stride for women in space exploration. While the 11-minute journey was hailed as a milestone for gender representation in space, it also ignited a firestorm of debate.
According to Valence, Blue Origin is a private aerospace company founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon Inc.. Headquartered in Kent, Washington, Blue Origin’s mission is to enable millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. The company’s name reflects this vision, emphasizing the importance of preserving our “blue origin”—Earth.
According to People, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy challenged the designation of the participants as “astronauts,” citing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) criteria that require individuals to make active contributions to flight safety or human spaceflight efforts. He acknowledged the crew’s bravery but argued that the automated nature of the flight and the lack of essential roles played by the passengers disqualified them from being considered astronauts under FAA guidelines.
Critics also questioned the mission’s purpose and resource allocation amid global challenges. Model Emily Ratajkowski labeled the mission as excessive and tone-deaf, highlighting concerns about the commercialization of space and its disconnect from broader societal issues. Similarly, actress Olivia Munn expressed skepticism about the mission’s contribution to society.
“What’s the point?” Munn said in an interview for Page Six. “Is it historic that you guys are going on a ride?” In defense of the mission, Gayle King emphasized the scientific contributions of fellow passengers Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen, who conducted experiments during the flight. She highlighted the importance of space missions in generating valuable information and inspiring future generations. Amanda Nguyen, addressing the criticism, told Vanity Fair, “I’m not wealthy, and I’m not a celebrity,” underscoring her commitment to space research and representation.
Despite the controversy, the mission, being the first all-female crewed flight since cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963, marked a significant moment in space travel. The debate surrounding the flight reflects broader societal divisions regarding the symbolic and practical value of private space ventures and the ongoing discourse on gender representation in STEM fields.
As the conversation continues, the Blue Origin all-female flight serves as a catalyst for examining the complexities of representation, commercialization, and the future of inclusive space exploration.
