Blue Origin, a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company, successfully completed its 11th human spaceflight for the New Shepard program. The astronaut crew included Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez, who brought the mission together. Including the crew, New Shepard has now flown 58 people to space, including four people who have flown twice.
“What a privilege to witness this crew of trailblazers depart the capsule today,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President, New Shepard. “Each of these women is a storyteller who will use their voices individually and together to channel their life-changing experience today into creating lasting impact that will inspire people across our planet for generations. Thank you to this remarkable crew for uplifting so many on their historic journey toward the stars and back.”
Additionally, Blue Origin released the NS-31 mission patch. A few of the key symbols embedded include:
- The target star symbolizes Aisha Bowe’s ambition for setting big goals, passion for STEM, and commitment to inspiring future generations.
- The scales of justice symbolize Amanda Nguyn’s efforts to advocate for civil rights, break barriers, and empower everyday people to create change.
- The shooting star microphone represents Gayle King’s commitment to sharing important stories with the world.
- The firework symbolizes Katy Perry’s global influence across music, pop culture, and philanthropy.
- The film reel symbolizes Kerianne Flynn’s passion for filmmaking, storytelling, and crafting beautiful narratives.
- Flynn the Fly, the main character in Lauren Sánchez’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.
