3 minute read•Updated 1:37 PM EDT, Thu March 27, 2025
Blue Origin is officially targeting Monday, April 14 for the launch of NS-31 from Launch Site One in West Texas.
NS-31 will mark Blue Origin’s 11th human flight and features one of the most diverse and high-profile passenger lists to date. The six-member crew includes Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez, each bringing their own unique contributions to the mission's spirit of inspiration, storytelling, and advocacy.
The launch window opens at 8:30 a.m. CDT / 13:30 UTC.
Meet the Crew of NS-31
Aisha Bowe – Former NASA aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, Bowe is also the first African American woman slated to fly with Blue Origin. Her passion for STEM education and representation has inspired a generation of future engineers.
Amanda Nguyễn – A civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Nguyễn founded Rise, a non-profit that fights for the rights of sexual assault survivors. Her advocacy led to the unanimous passage of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights in the U.S. Congress.
Gayle King – Veteran journalist and co-host of CBS Mornings, King is known for elevating critical voices and stories that shape the national conversation. Her inclusion marks a historic moment for journalism in space.
Katy Perry – Global pop superstar and philanthropist, Perry’s influence spans beyond music, encompassing mental health advocacy and child development. Her participation brings pop culture to the edge of space.
Kerianne Flynn – An emerging filmmaker and storyteller, Flynn’s work explores powerful personal narratives and visual storytelling. Her journey represents the creative arts reaching for new heights.
Lauren Sánchez – Emmy Award-winning journalist, pilot, and author, Sánchez has been a vocal advocate for women in aviation and children’s literacy. Aboard NS-31, she’s joined by Flynn the Fly, the beloved character from her children’s book The Fly Who Flew to Space, inspiring kids with learning differences to aim for the stars.
NS-31 Mission Patch: A Tapestry of Purpose and Passion
Blue Origin unveiled the official NS-31 mission patch, rich with symbolic elements that reflect each crewmember’s values and contributions:
⭐ Target Star – Representing Aisha Bowe’s drive to reach ambitious goals in STEM and to light the path for those following in her footsteps.
⚖️ Scales of Justice – Honoring Amanda Nguyễn’s tireless work for civil rights and empowerment through legislative change.
🎤 Shooting Star Microphone – A tribute to Gayle King’s storytelling legacy and her role as a cultural communicator.
🎆 Firework – Signifying Katy Perry’s explosive creative impact and philanthropic reach.
🎞️ Film Reel – A nod to Kerianne Flynn’s dedication to cinematic storytelling and emotional resonance.
🪰 Flynn the Fly – The adventurous insect joins the mission, representing Lauren Sánchez’s advocacy for inclusivity and literacy in childhood education.
Each element weaves a shared narrative: space is for everyone, and the stories we tell from the stars can light a path back home.
As the space industry continues to evolve, missions like NS-31 blur the lines between science, culture, and inspiration. This flight isn’t just about reaching space — it’s about reaching people: young dreamers, underrepresented communities, creatives, and changemakers alike.
The sky is no longer the limit.
How to Watch
Join The Launch Pad Network on YouTube for live coverage of the full countdown to launch, featuring mission commentary, pre-flight insights, and real-time updates from West Texas.
Stay tuned to The Launch Pad Network and follow @TLPN_Official on X for ongoing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and launch day coverage.
