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Blue Origin flight live updates: Katy Perry and star-studded crew return from brief space launch
The first all-female trip to space in more than six decades launched from West Texas on Monday morning
Katy Perry and five other women successfully launched into space on Monday on the first all-female mission in more than six decades.
The crew lifted off on board an autonomous rocket made by Blue Origin, the private space firm owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
“I don’t really have words for it,” the billionaire’s fiancée Lauren Sanchez said in an interview following the flight. “Earth looked just so quiet.”
“It is the highest high and it is surrender to the unknown,” said Perry. “I couldn’t recommend this experience more.”
Perry and Sanchez were joined by CBS News host Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
The only other all-female crew in 64 years of human spaceflight took place in 1963.
The rocket lifted off as part of Blue Origin mission NS-31 at 8:30 a.m. local time. The craft flew through space for around four minutes before floating back down to Earth, with the entire journey taking a little over 10 minutes.
When in space, Perry sang the song “What a Wonderful World.”
“It was a feeling of joy. It was a feeling of gratefulness,” Sanchez added.
Sanchez confirms she'll be wearing Kim Kardashian's SKIMS underwear in space
Speaking to the New York Times about the space suits that she designed, along with Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, Sanchez revealed that she’ll be wearing a pair of Kim Kardashian’s Skims underwear into space.
On the outfits themselves, Sanchez told the NY Times: “Let’s reimagine the flight suit. Usually, you know, these suits are made for a man. Then they get tailored to fit a woman. I think the suits are elegant but they also bring a little spice to space.
“Simplicity was important, and comfort, and fit. But we also wanted something that was a little dangerous, like a motocross outfit. Or a ski suit. Flattering and sexy.”
The NS-31 mission patch features symbols that represent all five women on board
The patch that the six astronauts will wear on Monday feature symbols that represent all five women that will be travelling into space.
According to an Instagram post from Kerianne Flynn, the symbols are as follows:
“The target star symbolizes @aishabowe ‘s ambition for setting big goals, passion for STEM, and commitment to inspiring future generations.
“The scales of justice symbolize @amandangocnguyen ‘s efforts to advocate for civil rights, break barriers, and empower everyday people to create change.
The shooting star microphone represents @gayleking ‘s commitment to sharing important stories with the world.
“The firework symbolizes @katyperry ‘s global influence across music, pop culture, and philanthropy.
“The film reel symbolizes @kerianneflynn ’s passion for filmmaking, storytelling, and crafting beautiful narratives.
“Flynn the Fly, the main character in @laurenwsanchez ’s bestselling children’s book, The Fly Who Flew to Space, is along for the ride. The story is about overcoming adversity, inspiring kids with learning differences to pursue their dreams.”
Katy Perry shares three word update before launch
Just two hours before the launch Perry told fans on X/Twitter “I LOVE YOU”.
Less than half an hour until launch
The countdown clock has now ticked past 30 minutes. The crew are loaded into the capsule and final checks – including ensuring that they are safely strapped in with their seatbelts, and that are able to communicate with the ground – are taking place.
Jeff Bezos gives final words of support before leaving capsule
Jeff Bezos is the partner of Lauren Sanchez, who is taking the trip, as well as being the founder of Blue Origin and a previous traveller on one of the same journeys. He went into the capsule with the crew this time.
He has just left, after speaking to the crew.
“Most amazing, most profound experience,” he says. “I don’t want to get off, I want to go with you. When you get back, I want to hear how it’s changed you. Godspeed.”
Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian say they're 'honored' to be there
“We’re here to support our girlfriend and our friends,” said Kris Jenner.
“And, we’re just so honored to be here to support them and watch this amazing part of history. And, I’m so proud of her,” she added.
“It’s such a big day in history and it’s so empowering,” said Khloe Kardashian.
Gayle King talks about her decision to join NS-31 mission
“When I made the decision to come, there were only three people whose opinions matters to me the most: favorite daughter Kirby, favorite son Will, and Oprah,” CBS host Gayle King explained in a sit-down interview. “That’s my kitchen cabinet.”
“And, all of them said, ‘I think you should do it’ - much to my surprise,” she noted.
All systems are 'go' for launch
All systems are “go” for launch less than nine minutes before lift-off
Oprah says she has 'never been more proud' of Gayle King
“We’ve been friends - it will be 50 years next year,” media mogul Oprah Winfrey said of CBS host Gayle King.
“And, I have never been more proud of my friend than today,” she said.
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