Blue Origin's New Shepard rocke is preparing for launch Monday morning from its West Texas facility, with an all-female crew featuring pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez.
This NS-31 mission, anticipated to make history as the first all-women spaceflight since 1963, also includes aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn.
The 11-minute suborbital journey is expected to take the crew past the Kármán line, offering them a brief experience of weightlessness and stunning Earth views.
The launch underscores Blue Origin's growing impact on Texas, as its operations continue to boost the local economy through job creation, tourism, and global attention.
At the same time, discussions about environmental concerns and balancing innovation with community needs remain ongoing.
This mission highlights Texas's role as a key player in the future of commercial space exploration.
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