In a history-making moment for space travel and representation, an all-female crew that included journalist Gayle King, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and pop icon Katy Perry has successfully returned to Earth following a suborbital spaceflight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.
The six women—Gayle King (“CBS Mornings”), Aisha Bowe (former NASA engineer), Lauren Sánchez (aviation pilot and journalist), Amanda Nguyen (bioastronautics research scientist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee), Kerianne Flynn (film producer), and Katy Perry—blasted off from Blue Origin’s launch site in Van Horn, Texas, at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Their 10-minute journey carried them just beyond the Kármán line, the internationally recognized edge of space at about 62 miles above Earth.
After a brief period of weightlessness and a spectacular view of the planet, the capsule floated back to Earth with the help of parachutes and landed safely in the West Texas desert.
A Journey of Awe, Connection, and Courage
Aisha Bowe, known for her trailblazing work in aerospace, was visibly moved by the view of Earth from above.
“I will never be the same,” she said. “There were no visible borders. Just beauty, energy, and an instant connection between all of us in that capsule.”
Pop star Katy Perry, who described the experience as second only to becoming a mother, brought a daisy into space—a tribute to her daughter, Daisy.
“Daisies grow through any condition. They are resilient, powerful, and strong,” she said. “That’s what this moment felt like.”
Perry rated her flight a “10 out of 10” and said she felt “super connected to love,” even singing What a Wonderful World while floating in zero gravity—a moment Gayle King said moved them all.
Facing Fears and Finding Peace
Gayle King, who has been candid about her fear of flying, described the trip as transformational.
“I stepped out of my comfort zone in a way I never thought was possible,” she said. “Now that I’ve done it, I feel like I can take on anything.”
King, deeply moved by the peacefulness of space, fell to her knees and kissed the Earth upon landing.
Amanda Nguyen, known for her advocacy on behalf of sexual assault survivors, brought a hospital wristband into space to serve as her zero gravity indicator—marking a powerful personal milestone.
Lauren Sánchez and Kerianne Flynn both expressed their joy and gratitude, with Sánchez saying Earth appeared “quiet but also so alive.”
A Poignant Ending
As the crew members exited the spacecraft, emotions ran high. Sánchez embraced her fiancé, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Perry kissed the ground.
King, Nguyen, and Bowe emerged smiling and tearful.
The successful mission marks another milestone for Blue Origin and represents a powerful statement about inclusivity, science, and human potential.
