In a history-making moment on Monday, April 14, Blue Origin launched an all-female crew into space aboard its New Shepard rocket, capturing the world’s attention with a mix of science, celebrity, and celebration.
Among the six women onboard were CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King and global pop superstar Katy Perry, joined by Lauren Sánchez—aviator and fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos—former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
The rocket lifted off from West Texas near El Paso, carrying the crew for a brief but powerful journey to the edge of space. The moment marked a milestone not only for Blue Origin but for representation and visibility in space travel.
King, 70, admitted feeling nervous ahead of liftoff but was visibly thrilled upon return. “I cannot even believe what I saw,” she said. “Up there, it was quiet and peaceful. I’m still floating.”
Her fellow crewmates echoed the emotional impact of the journey, which blended adventure with purpose. For Sánchez, who has long been an advocate for women in aviation and space, the flight represented a dream realized. “This is about opening doors and showing what’s possible,” she shared post-flight.
King added with a laugh that after braving space, she might finally conquer another long-standing fear: “I might even get my ears pierced. I was always so scared — but now I can take on anything.”
Oprah Winfrey, King’s longtime best friend, was in attendance at the launch and was seen wiping away tears as she watched the rocket ascend. “This will be an everlasting experience,” Winfrey said. “None of us will ever forget this day.”
As the capsule safely touched down, mission control radioed the crew with a fitting message: “Welcome back to Earth.”
