Former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe is set to make history as part of Blue Origin’s first-ever all-female space crew. The groundbreaking NS-31 mission will launch Monday, April 14, 2025, from the company’s private spaceport in West Texas. Bowe joins five other accomplished women, including pop superstar Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King, for this historic suborbital flight.
This milestone marks the first all-female crew to launch into space since 1963. That’s when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova made her solo journey into orbit. Bowe’s participation highlights her remarkable journey from community college student to aerospace engineer and now soon-to-be astronaut.
From NASA Engineer to Space Traveler
Aisha Bowe’s path to space began with her education at the University of Michigan. There she earned a degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s in space systems engineering. Her academic excellence led to a successful career as a NASA rocket scientist.
Following her time at NASA, Bowe established herself as a technology entrepreneur and STEM advocate. She founded STEMBoard, an engineering company working with government and private organizations. Bowe also created LINGO, a company dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Her professional achievements have earned numerous accolades. These include a NASA Engineering Honor Award, a STEM for Her Woman of the Year recognition, and a Black Enterprises Luminary Award. Now, space travel adds another impressive milestone to her already distinguished career.
Historic All-Female Mission Set for April 14 Launch
Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission is scheduled to lift off at 10 a.m. EDT on Monday. The suborbital flight will depart from Launch Site One in West Texas. This marks Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight mission overall.
The six-person crew represents various professional backgrounds and achievements. Alongside Bowe, the flight includes media personality Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, producer Kerianne Flynn, research scientist Amanda Nguyễn, and helicopter pilot Lauren Sánchez.
Space enthusiasts can watch this historic launch through a livestream provided by Blue Origin. The mission represents a significant moment for women in space exploration. No all-female crew has ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere in over six decades.
Accomplished Crew Members Represent Diverse Backgrounds
The NS-31 mission brings together women from varied professional spheres. Each passenger brings unique perspectives and accomplishments to this groundbreaking journey.
Katy Perry stands as one of music’s most successful artists with 115 billion streams. Gayle King brings over 40 years of broadcast journalism experience. Amanda Nguyễn will make history as the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman astronaut, adding another layer of significance to this flight.
Lauren Sánchez, a helicopter pilot and founder of Black Ops Aviation, rounds out the crew. She created the first female-owned aerial film production company and recently became engaged to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. Producer Kerianne Flynn, who has previously expressed interest in space travel through Virgin Galactic, completes this historic team.
STEM Advocate Breaking Barriers in Space Industry
Bowe’s participation in this mission aligns with her ongoing commitment to STEM advocacy. Throughout her career, she has worked to increase representation and opportunities in scientific fields.
Her membership in organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics demonstrates this commitment. These professional affiliations reflect her dedication to supporting diversity in technical fields.
Bowe’s journey from community college to space exemplifies perseverance and excellence. Her story serves as inspiration for students from all backgrounds considering careers in science and technology. This historic flight further amplifies her ability to advocate for greater inclusion in these fields.
Suborbital Mission Continues Blue Origin’s Space Tourism Development
Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission represents another step in developing the company’s space tourism capabilities. The New Shepard vehicle will carry the six passengers on a brief suborbital journey.
During their flight, the crew will experience several minutes of weightlessness. They’ll also witness spectacular views of Earth from beyond our atmosphere. These experiences align with Blue Origin’s goal of making space more accessible.
This mission follows previous flights that carried celebrities like William Shatner and Michael Strahan. The all-female crew concept, however, makes NS-31 particularly noteworthy in the developing commercial space industry. It emphasizes space accessibility for everyone regardless of gender.
