Blue Origin is set to launch its newest mission into space the following week. a historic all-female crew The mission designated as NS-31 represents the eleventh time humans have flown with Jeff Bezos's space tourism company, and it marks the thirty-first flight in total.
This will feature six women including aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe and activist Amanda Nguyen. CBS Mornings Host Gayle King; pop star Katy Perry; film producer Kerianne Flynn; and Lauren Sánchez, who is an author, television host turned philanthropist, and engaged to Bezos.
Blue Origin is promoting this as the inaugural all-woman space flight since 1963 when the Soviet Union’s Valentina Tereshkova made history as the first female astronaut during her three-day independent mission.
The launch is set for Monday, April 14, at 8:30 a.m. Central Time (CT), originating from Blue Origin’s launching facility in Van Horn, Texas.
What occurs during a Blue Origin space trip?
Renamed after Alan Shepard, the inaugural American astronaut in space, the New Shepard spacecraft Operates independently, sans pilot. This craft is entirely recyclable and has the capacity to transport as many as six travelers for a suborbital flight.
Every journey into space takes around 11 minutes, carrying travelers slightly beyond the Kármán line at an altitude of 62 miles above Earth’s surface. This boundary, recognized by certain international aviation and aerospace specialists as the edge of space, enables the team to enjoy several minutes without gravity.
Once the mission concludes, the rocket will return to Earth, with one of its engines reigniting to decrease the speed of the booster to merely 6 miles per hour for a safe and precise touchdown at the original launch site. Meanwhile, the capsule transporting the astronauts will land independently after releasing three parachutes to ensure a smooth descent closeby.
In 2021, Blue Origin conducted a series of ten human missions that collectively took 52 individuals to the boundary of space. Jeff Bezos was included as one of the members during Blue Origin’s inaugural flight with humans aboard.
What preparations have these team members been making?
Two members of the team have participated in zero-gravity simulation flights to acclimate themselves with the sensation of weightlessness. according to ABC’s Good Morning America .
King mentioned that she has been practicing meditation to overcome her anxiety.
“I am so scared,” she stated. CBS Mornings But I'm equally thrilled.
I can't quite describe this mix of fear and excitement," King said. "It feels similar to how I felt when preparing to give birth.
Several days prior to the scheduled launch, the complete team will participate in concluding training exercises and rehearsals at the launching facility located in Western Texas. They will be measured for their flight attire and familiarized with the interior of the New Shepard spacecraft.
Space ‘glam’ backlash
The latest Blue Origin mission isn’t without some controversy .
The entire female team faced criticism after a collaborative interview they conducted. a recent Elle magazine cover story where they shared that they would be dressing up for the journey.
Space is about to become glamorous," Perry stated. "We will add the 'ass' to astronaut.
Bowe mentioned that she recently tried skydiving in Dubai because "I wanted to see how my hair would hold up and ensure it was fine."
"We're going to have lash extensions floating around inside the capsule!" Sánchez stated.
I believe it's crucial for individuals to view us this way," Nguyen stated. "The contrast between being an engineer and a scientist versus someone who appreciates beauty and fashion. We encompass many facets. Women embody numerous qualities. And yes, I plan on wearing lipstick.
While co-hosting NBC’s Today With Jenna and Co., actress Olivia Munn blasted the crew while doubting the necessity of the mission .
What's the purpose? Are you all just doing this for historical significance? It seems rather indulgent," she stated. "The aim of space exploration was to expand our understanding and aid humanity. What can they accomplish up there that will improve things for us here on Earth?
Munn remarked, "I realize this might be annoying, but the cost of going to space is enormous, and many people struggle to buy basic items like eggs."
"Some prominent women — the ones able to command attention in our information-saturated world — are going to space for 11 minutes, and they’re using the related publicity to raise awareness about eyelash extensions," Jessica Grose penned an opinion piece for The New York Times This ethically devoid publicity stunt should serve as further condemnation of celebrity feminism.