Katy Perry, Gayle King and 4 other women go to the 'edge of space' on April 14 - not a spacecraft, here's why | Today news

Pop icon Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and four other women, will lift on the next crew mission of Blue Origin – a suborbital flight that will take them to the edge of space. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it differ from a full -fledged journey to space? Here is all you need to know about the short but breathtaking journey. What is the ‘edge of space’? The ‘edge of space’ usually refers to the Kármán line, which lies about 100 kilometers above the earth’s surface. It is considered the boundary between the earth’s atmosphere and outer space. Jeff Bezos’s new Shepard rocket is designed to briefly cross this line, allowing passengers to experience weightlessness and see the curvature of the earth. How does it differ from a spacecraft? Unlike the space -cruise of orbitals (such as those taken to the International Space Station), this journey is Suborbital – which means it will not surround the earth. Instead, the rocket will blow straight up, coast at its highest point just beyond the Kármán line, and then fall back under parachutes. In other words: No orbit no extensive accommodation in space No space food needs the space, but short and sweet. How long will it last? The entire flight takes about 10 minutes-inclusive: 3-4 minutes weightlessness a few minutes of panoramic views by giant windows A parachute-supported descent and safe landing in the wilderness in West Texas Who’s going? In addition to Perry and King, the female crew also includes: Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễn, Kerianne Flynn and Lauren Sánchez. The mission marks Blue Origin’s first female crew. Meet the female NS-31 Blue Origin Crew Aisha above a former Nasa raket scientist who became entrepreneur, Aisha Bowe is CEO of voting board and founder of Lingo. From the Bahamian heritage, she has an edge on education for underserved communities and hopes that her journey from community college to space to inspire young dreamers worldwide. Amanda Nguyễn Amanda is a Harvard-trained Bioastronautics researcher and Nobel Prize nominee for her advocacy with survivors of sexual assault. As the first Vietnamese and Southeastern Asian woman space, her flight emphasizes science as a power for peace and reconciliation. Gayle King-known journalist and co-host Gayle King, co-host of CBS Mornings, joins the mission with a passion for pushing personal boundaries. King, a powerful storyteller, says she ‘steps out of her comfort zone’ for this one -time adventure. Katy Perry Global Pop icon and Unicef ​​Goodwill -Ambassador Katy Perry brings astronomy to the mission. She is known for her philanthropy and works with underserved youth through the Firework Foundation and hopes that her journey encourages her daughter and others to aim high. Kerianne Flynn from fashion to film, Kerianne Flynn has dedicated herself to nonprofit service and storytelling. As a producer of documentary films on the history and equality of women, she considers space as another form of exploration – one who hopes she will inspire her son and future generations. Lauren Sánchez, a competent pilot, journalist and vice -chairman of the Bezos Earth Fund, Lauren Sánchez, is not strange to break barriers. Founder of Black Ops Aviation and author of a best -selling children’s book on space, she uses her platform to stimulate curiosity in the next generation of explorers. Collectively, these six women represent a unique mix of science, media, activism and adventure and it is ready to make history on Blue Origin’s NS-31. Where to look directly the launch? Livestream: Available on Blue Origin’s website, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Coverage Starting time: April 14, at 7 p.m. CDT/17: 30 IST on April 15. First published: 14 Apr 2025, 12:42 am Ist