By Amanda Castro
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Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket has successfully lifted off from its West Texas launchpad and landed. Katy Perry, broadcast journalist Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn have successfully launched into space and returned.
What to Know:
- Blue Origin's NS-31 mission, with no pilot, launched successfully today.
- This was the first all-female crew since 1963 when Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space.
- Critics have raised concerns about the space tourism industry's exclusivity and environmental impact.
This live blog is now closed, but check out our coverage of the event below.
Apr 14, 2025 at 10:20 AM EDT
Katy Perry: ‘This is all for the benefit of Earth’
"I feel super connected to love," Katy Perry said in her post-mission interview.
Perry also spoke to her rendition of "What a Wonderful World" while in space, saying, "I think that it's not about me, it's not about singing my songs. It's about a collective energy."
She added: "This is all for the benefit of Earth."
"This experience is second to being a mom," she said to a reporter when asked about the mission. "That's why it was hard for me to go because that's all my love right there."
Apr 14, 2025 at 10:12 AM EDT
Amanda Nguyen brings hospital bracelet to space as symbol of healing
Sexual assault survivor and activist Amanda Nguyen carried a hospital bracelet with her on today's Blue Origin spaceflight, using it as a personal "zero G" indicator—a tradition where astronauts bring small objects to signal the onset of weightlessness.
Nguyen, who has long advocated for survivors' rights, said she brought the bracelet from the hospital visit following her assault.
Emotional, she shared that her journey to space was part of her effort "to heal."
Apr 14, 2025 at 10:10 AM EDT
Gayle King: ‘I’m so proud of me’
Gayle King says she "still can't accept" the fact that she's being called an astronaut after her trip to space.
"I'm so proud of me right now," she said. Then she joked, explaining her experience in the capsule, "I looked like a freaking moose getting into that chair."
King also revealed that Katy Perry sang a rendition of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."
Apr 14, 2025 at 10:01 AM EDT
Sanchez: ‘I’m so proud of this crew’
Sanchez was fighting her tears during an interview following the flight.
"I'm so proud of this crew," Sanchez said. She added, "I can't put it into words, but we got to see the moon."
She also said that it wasn't what she expected. "I don't think I can even describe it."
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:58 AM EDT
Blue Origin shares key stats from successful NS-31 mission
Blue Origin released official data from its crewed NS-31 mission, confirming a smooth and successful flight. The New Shepard capsule reached an apogee of 346,802 feet above ground level, while the booster peaked at 346,481 feet—both soaring over 106 kilometers into space.
The launch took place at exactly 8:30 a.m. CDT, and the capsule touched down at 8:40:21 a.m., marking a total mission duration of 10 minutes and 21 seconds.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:56 AM EDT
Katy Perry lifts daisy into the air and kisses ground
Singer Katy Perry lifted the daisy flower she'd brought on board the New Shepherd into the air as soon as she deboarded the capsule.
She then kissed the ground as she exited.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:55 AM EDT
Friends, family arrive to capsule landing site
Vans carrying the crewmembers' friends, family, and loved ones are now arriving at the site of the capsule's landing.
The crew is now deboarding the capsule to greet them.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:50 AM EDT
Recovery crews on their way to New Shepard capsule landing site
Recovery crews are en route to the landing site of the New Shepard capsule to ensure the spacecraft's safety and assess the health of everyone onboard.
Once on-site, the team will carry out checks to confirm the capsule's integrity and ensure that the crew is in good condition after their spaceflight.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:48 AM EDT
Khloe Kardashian calls moment ’emotional’
"I don't think I realized how emotional it was going to be," Khloe Kardashian said to AP reporters this morning, adding that she "can't wait" to get to footage of the flight.
She added that watching this morning's events made it "more enticing" to travel to space at some point while Kris Jenner said that she wouldn't go if offered.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:42 AM EDT
New Shepard capsule’s parachutes deploy successfully during descent
The New Shepard capsule has successfully deployed its parachutes, marking a key moment in its descent back to Earth.
The spacecraft could be seen gliding through the sky as the parachutes deployed, ensuring a safe return for the crew.
Mission control said upon landing, "Congratulations and welcome back to Earth."
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:40 AM EDT
New Shepherd lands successfully
The Blue Origin New Shepherd rocket has successfully landed.
It executed what reporters are calling a perfect landing as it touched down vertically in Texas.
The crew members are shouting celebratorily following the landing.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:38 AM EDT
Watch takeoff
Get a glance of the New Shepherd's takeoff this morning.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:33 AM EDT
Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket launches into flight
Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket successfully ignited its engine, launching from its West Texas launchpad. The rocket is now on its way through Max Q, the critical point in the flight where the vehicle experiences the highest aerodynamic stress.
Max Q occurs when the rocket is traveling at high speeds in areas of the atmosphere where the air remains relatively dense. This creates significant pressure on the vehicle, making it a crucial stage in the flight.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:31 AM EDT
Oprah expresses pride in Gayle King’s space journey
Oprah made a brief appearance on Blue Origin's webcast, sharing her pride in longtime friend Gayle King's upcoming spaceflight. Reflecting on their nearly 50-year friendship, Oprah described the mission as a significant milestone for King, who has struggled with flight anxiety.
Oprah spoke about how King's decision to overcome her fears and board the spacecraft was a personal triumph. Despite King's nerves, Oprah expressed being unusually calm, emphasizing the emotional significance of the journey beyond just traveling to space.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:24 AM EDT
Mission controllers approve liftoff as rocket data checks out
With engineers receiving positive data from the rocket, mission controllers have given the final go-ahead for liftoff.
The mission is now set to launch in under 10 minutes, as preparations for the flight are finalized.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:24 AM EDT
Blue Origin showcases group of women who’ve traveled to space
Blue Origin shared a photo featuring a group of women who have made history with various space missions, including suborbital and orbital tourism trips. Among them are Hayley Arceneaux and Sian Proctor, who were part of the 2021 Inspiration4 mission with SpaceX.
Also included is Emily Calandrelli, a science communicator who flew to space with Blue Origin last year, and Sirisha Bandla, an executive with Virgin Galactic, who journeyed to space with Richard Branson in 2021. This diverse group of women highlights the growing presence of female pioneers in space tourism.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:21 AM EDT
Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian show support at Blue Origin launch
Kris Jenner and Khloé Kardashian were on hand at the Blue Origin launch site to support their friend and fellow crew member. Jenner expressed her surprise, saying, "We're here to support our girlfriend and our friends, and I never thought that we'd be talking to you from a space launch for sure."
Khloé also shared insights from the Blue Origin staff, revealing tips they were given for the experience: "I love the messaging that we keep receiving from the staff here at Blue Origin is, don't film it through your phones. Look through your eyes. Be as present as possible." The Kardashians' presence at the launch site further highlighted the star-studded nature of the mission.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:12 AM EDT
Jeff Bezos sees off Blue Origin crew with emotional farewell
Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos offered a heartfelt sendoff to the six passengers aboard the New Shepard capsule just before liftoff. As the crew settled into their seats, Bezos shared a few emotional words.
"I don't want to get off. I want to go with you," he said. "And when you get back, I can't wait to hear how it's changed you. I love all of you. See you soon. Godspeed, good luck."
The group, which includes Katy Perry and Gayle King, is preparing for a suborbital flight that will take them just past the edge of space.
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:11 AM EDT
Katy Perry tweets ahead of flight
Katy Perry, one of the celebrities on board the Blue Origin flight, shared a tweet this morning, reading in all-caps, "I LOVE YOU."
Apr 14, 2025 at 09:07 AM EDT
Blue Origin crew preps for launch inside New Shepard capsule
The six-person crew aboard today's Blue Origin spaceflight has now boarded the New Shepard capsule and begun final pre-launch procedures. Gayle King, Katy Perry, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, Lauren Sánchez, and Kerianne Flynn are now inside the 3.8-meter-wide spacecraft.
The team is currently conducting communication checks with mission control as they prepare for liftoff. This step ensures all systems are working properly before the short suborbital journey begins.
Apr 14, 2025 at 08:57 AM EDT
Blue Origin continues to lead in space tourism with reusable rockets
Blue Origin, the space company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is making headlines again with today's launch of its New Shepard rocket. This reusable spacecraft is part of the company's commitment to reducing the cost of accessing space. Blue Origin also developed the New Glenn rocket, further advancing its push for space exploration and commercial flights.
In 2021, Blue Origin achieved a major milestone by becoming the first company to launch a commercial suborbital flight with paying passengers. The historic flight included Bezos, his brother Mark, 82-year-old Wally Funk, and an 18-year-old student. This achievement was a significant step in the growing space tourism industry.
Apr 14, 2025 at 08:53 AM EDT
Crew members head to launch pad as supporters cheer on
The six crew members are on their way to the launch pad, with crowds of family, friends, and supporters lining the route to cheer them on.
Katy Perry, Aisha Bowe, and Lauren Sánchez were seen waving to the crowd as they passed in their Rivian vehicle, offering a wave to the onlookers outside Blue Origin's astronaut training center.
Apr 14, 2025 at 08:52 AM EDT
Katy Perry bringing daisy to space as tribute to daughter
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Katy Perry is taking a personal touch to space. Ahead of her flight with Blue Origin, the singer shared that she'll bring a daisy — a nod to her daughter, who shares the flower's name. Perry said the gesture is meant to reflect how special and delicate life on Earth is.
She also teased plans to reveal her upcoming tour's set list while in orbit. The tour kicks off April 23, just days after her brief journey beyond the atmosphere.
Apr 14, 2025 at 08:44 AM EDT
Blue Origin crew wraps up training ahead of space launch
Passengers aboard Blue Origin's upcoming spaceflight have completed two days of training at the company's West Texas launch site.
The group, including Gayle King, Katy Perry, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe and Kerianne Flynn, practiced boarding and exiting the New Shepard capsule, as well as putting on and removing seatbelts in weightless conditions, according to Blue Origin's Ariane Cornell.
The training took place near Van Horn, Texas, where Blue Origin uses a cluster of airstream trailers to host and prepare its crews before launch.
Apr 14, 2025 at 08:31 AM EDT
Blue Origin leads suborbital space tourism after 2021 race to space
The current moment in commercial space tourism was shaped in 2021 when Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson launched into space on rockets built by their own companies—just nine days apart. Though Branson's Virgin Galactic flight took off first, Blue Origin has since claimed the lead in the space tourism race.
Bezos' company has flown over 50 people to the edge of space since that pivotal summer. Blue Origin often touts its higher flight altitude, referring to Virgin Galactic passengers as astronauts "with an asterisk."
Among New Shepard's notable riders: Star Trek legend William Shatner, who described the view as a confrontation with mortality; TV host Michael Strahan, who said he wanted to return immediately; Wally Funk, a trailblazing pilot denied flight by NASA in the 1960s; and Laura Shepard Churchley, daughter of astronaut Alan Shepard, who flew aboard a rocket named after her father.
Apr 14, 2025 at 08:17 AM EDT
Blue Origin shares launch pad photo ahead of New Shepard liftoff
Blue Origin posted a photo of its New Shepard rocket standing tall on the launch pad ahead of its scheduled liftoff.
The image shows the fully stacked vehicle under clear skies, signaling final preparations are complete for the suborbital mission.
Apr 14, 2025 at 08:04 AM EDT
Blue Origin set to launch crew toward space at 9:30 a.m. ET
Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket is scheduled for liftoff at 9:30 a.m. ET, sending a crew of passengers, including Katy Perry, toward the edge of space. The rocket will accelerate to more than three times the speed of sound, reaching an altitude of around 250,000 feet before the crew capsule separates and continues its journey toward space.
The mission is expected to last about 10 minutes.
The crew will travel just above the Kármán line, which is 62 miles above Earth and marks the widely accepted boundary of space. During the flight, they will experience a few minutes of weightlessness before descending via parachutes and landing safely in the Texas desert.
Apr 14, 2025 at 07:51 AM EDT
Gayle King shares excitement and nerves ahead of space flight
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Journalist Gayle King is gearing up for her upcoming space flight and told Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner that she is "really psyched" about the experience, though she's also feeling some nerves. "You just don't want anything to go wrong," King admitted when asked about her biggest concern.
King, 70, revealed that she consulted her children, Kirby and Will, as well as her close friend Oprah, before making the decision to board the Blue Origin flight. All of them gave her their support, with King adding, "They're all going to be there."
Ahead of the flight, King also spoke to fellow crew member Katy Perry and sought advice from Michael Strahan, the former NFL star and TV host who flew aboard New Shepard in 2021. "I went to Michael Strahan's house... and he was very reassuring to me," King said, adding that his words helped her feel confident about the journey.
Apr 14, 2025 at 07:38 AM EDT
Blue Origin prepares for star-studded suborbital flight today
Blue Origin is gearing up to launch its latest crew of space tourism passengers, including high-profile names like "CBS Mornings" cohost Gayle King, pop star Katy Perry, bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
The flight, set for today, will take the crew on a suborbital journey lasting around 10 minutes, quicker than most people's morning commute. The New Shepard vehicle, Blue Origin's reusable rocket, will travel more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) above Earth—reaching the edge of space—and top speeds of 3,500 kilometers per hour (2,300 miles per hour), roughly three times the speed of sound.
The crew capsule will detach from the rocket once most of the fuel is burned, allowing it to continue its ascent before briefly hovering at the peak of its flight, giving passengers a few minutes of weightlessness before descending back to Earth.
Apr 14, 2025 at 07:23 AM EDT
What Katy Perry has said about going to space
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Katy Perry is headed to space aboard the first all-female flight since 1963, accompanied by other celebrities in a zero-gravity flight at the top of the Earth's atmosphere.
The pop star has said that the universe gave her "confirmations" that the trip, managed by Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, was the right thing to do.
In March, Blue Origin announced that their April 14 trip would feature an all-female crew and passenger list. Bezos' fiancée, journalist Lauren Sánchez, organized a list of women to take the trip, including Katy Perry, TV host Gayle King, engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
In an interview with Elle, Perry said that she was excited about the trip, and that she had been looking for a way to go into space for a while.
"I don't have any time to be nervous; I don't have time to be worried," she said. "I'm going to feel something when they go, '10, 9, 8, 7,...' but until then, we've got stuff to do. We've got business to handle."
Describing her initial reaction to the offer from Sánchez, Perry said: "I was like, 'What am I going to wear?' But seriously, I have wanted to go to space for almost 20 years. I was investigating all of the possible commercial options.
Read the full story by Theo Burman on Newsweek.
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