BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

April 14, 2025, marked a milestone in private spaceflight as Katy Perry soared past the edge of Earth’s atmosphere aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31 mission.

 The suborbital journey, which lasted just under 11 minutes, launched smoothly from the company’s facility in West Texas just after 8:30 a.m. local time.

The six-person crew included pop icon Katy Perry, veteran journalist Gayle King, entrepreneur and helicopter pilot Lauren Sánchez, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. 

Together, they reached an altitude of more than 100 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line—the recognized boundary of space—before gently returning to Earth.

Perry, whose cosmic-themed discography includes songs like E.T. and Firework, described the experience as “supernatural.” Ahead of the flight, she had expressed her long-standing fascination with the stars and her desire to connect more deeply with the universe. “We’re all made of stardust,” she noted, referencing her pre-launch studies of Carl Sagan and astrophysics. She even carried a daisy flower with her into space, a touching tribute to her daughter, Daisy.

Blue Origin emphasized that each crew gets the unique opportunity to name themselves and design their mission patch. This one featured symbolic imagery tied to each woman’s personal journey and professional legacy. 

As the rocket climbed at speeds over Mach 3, the crew experienced a brief yet unforgettable moment of weightlessness. 

Perry reportedly sang “What a Wonderful World” during their time in microgravity, adding a poetic layer to the expedition. Upon touchdown, both Perry and King kissed the ground—an emotional gesture captured on livestream.

Gayle King, known for her candor, admitted to being terrified of the journey, citing her fear of flying. But she overcame it, later quoting Eleanor Roosevelt: “Courage is doing something that scares you, but you do it anyway.” Her best friend Oprah Winfrey watched from the ground, visibly emotional as the capsule made its safe return.

Lauren Sánchez called the view “profound,” especially when observing the darkness of space contrasted with the vibrant glow of Earth. The crew also got a glimpse of the moon, described as “floating in complete and utter darkness,” a sight that left them speechless.

At a post-mission press event, the crew reflected on the power of stepping beyond comfort zones and the awe of seeing Earth from above. While the flight may have only lasted minutes, the impact was enduring—offering a bold, high-altitude reminder of human curiosity, wonder, and resilience.

In a year full of milestones, this space journey stands out as a celebration of ambition and achievement, taking a group of driven individuals quite literally out of this world.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Blue Origin