In a groundbreaking moment for both pop culture and space exploration, Katy Perry has officially become the first global pop star to travel to space. The Grammy-nominated singer joined an all-female crew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket as part of a historic mission that launched in April 2025.
The suborbital flight, which lasted about 11 minutes, lifted off from Blue Origin’s West Texas launch site. The mission, named NS-31, carried six women from diverse professional backgrounds, including media, science, activism, and entertainment. Leading the crew was Lauren Sánchez, journalist and fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.
Katy Perry’s inclusion in the crew captured worldwide attention. Known for her cosmic-themed hits like “E.T.” and “Starstrukk,” Perry embraced the space experience with excitement and gratitude. During the brief period of weightlessness, she floated freely inside the capsule and even sang “What a Wonderful World” in microgravity — a performance that moved viewers around the globe.
“I brought a daisy with me for Daisy,” Perry said, referring to her daughter. The flower, a symbol of resilience and beauty, floated gently beside her in the cabin as a tribute to motherhood and dreams beyond Earth.
Other crew members included Gayle King (broadcast journalist), Aisha Bowe (aerospace engineer), Amanda Nguyen (civil rights activist), and Kerriann Flynn (film producer). Together, the women represented a message of unity, strength, and female empowerment in a field historically dominated by men.
This Blue Origin flight marked the company’s continued commitment to expanding access to space and inspiring the next generation. It was also the first mission composed entirely of women, a powerful milestone for gender equity in STEM and space industries.
Perry underwent flight training before the launch, preparing for the physical and mental demands of the journey. According to Blue Origin staff, she was enthusiastic and fully dedicated to the process — even joking that she was finally “becoming the alien” she once sang about.
The capsule safely returned to Earth with a smooth parachute-assisted landing in the West Texas desert. Upon exiting, Perry waved to the cameras in a futuristic silver flight suit, grinning ear to ear. Her flight made headlines not only for its novelty, but for its emotional resonance.
As Perry shared on social media afterward: “This was for every little girl who’s ever looked up at the stars and wondered, ‘What if?’ Today, we answered.”
