Photo credits: Blue Origin Instagram. Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sánchez.
Yesterday, on April 14, 2025, history was made as Blue Origin launched its first all-female crew into space, a groundbreaking moment that has inspired millions around the globe. The flight, which lasted exactly 10 minutes and 21 seconds, took off from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas at 9:31 a.m. ET, just one minute after the scheduled launch window opened at 9:30 a.m. ET, and traveled past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 62 miles above Earth. Among the crew was Lauren Sánchez, a journalist, philanthropist, and now space traveler, who shared a heartfelt reflection on Instagram: “I came back to Earth… but something in me is still up there. There’s a silence in space that somehow made everything feel more alive. I looked down at our planet and felt how fragile and beautiful it all is. And how deeply connected we are.” She added, “This flight wasn’t about escape. It was about perspective,” emphasizing how the experience was “about making space—for wonder, for courage, for anyone who’s ever questioned if they belong.” She concluded with gratitude: “Thank you to Blue Origin, to the crew, and to every person who helped us rise. I’m filled with awe. And so much gratitude.” Her words capture the profound impact of this journey—not just for the women aboard, but for humanity as a whole.
Photo credits: Blue Origin Instagram. Lauren Sánchez.
The crew, composed of Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sánchez, represented a diverse group of trailblazers. Each brought their unique perspective to the mission. Blue Origin, known for its commitment to making space accessible, curated this team to symbolize the power of the limitless potential of women when given the opportunity to rise.
Photo credits: Katy Perry Instagram. Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sánchez.
Katy Perry, another crew member, had shared her reflections on Instagram prior to the launch, marveling at the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream. She wrote, “If you had told me that I would be part of the first ever all-female crew in space, I would have believed you. Nothing was beyond my imagination as a child. Although we didn’t grow up with much, I never stopped looking at the world with hopeful WONDER! I work hard to live my life that way still, and I am motivated more than ever to be an example for my daughter that women should take up space (pun intended). That’s why this opportunity is so incredible — so that I can show all of the youngest & most vulnerable among us to reach for the stars, literally and figuratively. I am honored to be among this diverse group of celestial sisters.” Her words, paired with Sánchez’s, paint a picture of a mission that was as much about personal growth as it was about inspiring the next generation.
Photo credits: Katy Perry Instagram. Katy Perry.
This historic flight comes at a time when the space industry is undergoing a renaissance. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, has been a key player in advancing space tourism and research, with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. The all-female crew marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey, proving that space is not just for a select few but for anyone with the courage to dream.
For the women of Monaco, a principality known for its commitment to innovation and philanthropy, this mission serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible. The crew’s diversity mirrors Monaco’s own multicultural ethos, where people from all walks of life come together to create a better future. In a world often divided, this journey reminds us that our shared humanity transcends borders—even those between Earth and space.