A Historic Space Mission with a Glamorous Twist
Blue Origin is preparing for a historic moment with its first all-female space flight, scheduled for April 14. The six-member crew includes journalist Lauren Sanchez, pop star Katy Perry, TV host Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. This groundbreaking mission is not only about making history in space exploration but also about redefining the perception of women in space.
What makes this mission unique is the emphasis on glamour. The crew members are excited to take their personal styles beyond Earth’s atmosphere. In a recent interview with Elle, Sanchez, who is engaged to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, humorously expressed her excitement about bringing beauty and fashion into space. “Who would not get glam before the flight?” she said, jokingly adding, “We’re going to have lash extensions flying in the capsule!”
King, a seasoned journalist, playfully questioned whether Sanchez’s eyelashes would stay on during the flight. Sanchez confidently reassured her, saying, “Mine are glued on. They’re good.” Meanwhile, Perry, known for her bold fashion choices, eagerly embraced the idea of a stylish space journey. “Space is going to finally be glam,” she remarked. She further added, “We are going to put the ‘ass’ in astronaut,” bringing humor to the conversation.
Style Meets Science in Space Travel
While Blue Origin space missions are typically associated with heavy-duty suits, complex training, and rigorous safety measures, this mission is proving that fashion and science can coexist. Aisha Bowe, an aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, revealed that she has already tested her hairstyle for space travel. She explained, “I skydived in Dubai with similar hair to make sure I would be good—took it for a dry run.” Her preparation highlights the careful thought put into every aspect of the journey, including personal appearance.
Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights activist and advocate for gender equality in STEM fields, also shared her excitement about combining beauty with science. She has partnered with e.l.f. Cosmetics for their series, Show Your(s)e.l.f, which promotes self-expression. Nguyen emphasized the importance of embracing multiple identities, saying, “This dichotomy of engineer and scientist, and then beauty and fashion. We contain multitudes. Women are multitudes. I’m going to be wearing lipstick.” Her collaboration aligns with Blue Origin’s mission to make space more accessible and inclusive.
Katy Perry, known for her extravagant outfits and makeup looks, also expressed curiosity about what to wear for the flight. “What am I going to wear?” she asked, emphasizing her excitement about blending fashion with the experience of space travel. The Blue Origin mission is expected to challenge stereotypes and inspire young girls who aspire to explore both science and fashion.
Balancing Excitement and Fear
Despite the excitement surrounding the mission, there is also an acknowledgment of the risks involved in space travel. Blue Origin’s previous missions have demonstrated the challenges of sending humans to space, and the upcoming flight is no different. The crew members understand that stepping into the unknown can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking.
Gayle King shared her mixed emotions about the experience, saying, “I also know it’s very interesting to be terrified and excited at the same time.” She compared the feeling to childbirth, explaining, “I haven’t felt like this since childbirth, really. Because I knew childbirth was going to hurt. But it’s also stepping out of your comfort zone.”
While space tourism has gained popularity, it remains a complex and risky endeavor. Blue Origin has successfully sent several missions into space, but every flight requires careful planning and execution. The crew members have undergone training to prepare for weightlessness, high acceleration, and potential emergency situations.
As the countdown to April 14 continues, this mission represents more than just a journey into space. It is a statement that women can embrace science, adventure, and glamour all at once. Blue Origin’s first all-female crew is set to make history in a way that challenges traditional perceptions, proving that beauty and bravery can exist side by side—even beyond Earth.
