Lauren Sánchez's space flight date: Here's when the all-female crew will take off

Lauren Sánchez is poised to make history as she captains an all-female crew on a remarkable journey into space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. This groundbreaking mission, known as NS-31, is scheduled to lift off from the expansive desert landscape of Launch Site One in West Texas on Monday, April 14. 

This mission focuses on empowerment and exploration and highlights the significant strides women are making in science and aerospace. 

© Lauren Sanchez/Instagram

Joining Sánchez on this cosmic adventure are five remarkable women:

• Katy Perry: Global pop sensation known for hits like "Firework," Perry is squeezing this spaceflight between rehearsals for her upcoming Lifetimes Tour, which kicks off in Mexico City on April 23.
• Gayle King: Esteemed journalist and co-host of "CBS Mornings," King brings her storytelling prowess to the mission.
• Aisha Bowe: Former NASA aerospace engineer and advocate for women in STEM fields.
• Amanda Nguyen: Civil rights activist and founder of Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
• Kerianne Flynn: Film producer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives.

This mission marks the first all-women spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova's solo journey in 1963. 

The Vision Behind the Voyage

Spearheading this mission, Lauren Sánchez aims to inspire and empower. She envisions the flight as a transformative experience that will broaden the crew's perspectives and encourage them to share their stories, creating a ripple effect that motivates future generations. "She is honored to lead a team of explorers on a mission that will challenge their perspectives of Earth, empower them to share their own stories, and create a lasting impact that will inspire generations to come," stated Blue Origin.

"We set a date… April 14 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 Our official @BlueOrigin mission patch for Flight NS-31 is here — and it's hiding a few surprises. Can you find them?" Lauren wrote on Instagram. "Each of us has a symbol tucked into the stars. Can you spot mine? (Hint: my clue has wings and loves to explore). Meet Flynn the Fly, from my children's book, The Fly Who Flew to Space. A tiny reminder that big dreams can come from unexpected places. Designing this patch with @raleighstewart was pure joy, a little magic in every detail. The countdown is on. We're ready to fly."

Mission Patch: Symbols with Significance

Every space mission has its emblem, and NS-31 is no exception. The mission patch is rich with symbols representing each crew member's contributions and aspirations:

• Fireworks: Symbolizing Perry's global influence across music, pop culture, and philanthropy.
• Flynn the Fly: The main character from Sánchez's children's book, "The Fly Who Flew to Space," representing overcoming adversity and inspiring children with learning differences.
• Scales of Justice: Denoting Nguyễn's dedication to civil rights and empowering individuals to effect change.
• Target Star: Reflecting Bowe's ambition, passion for STEM, and commitment to inspiring future generations.
• Shooting Star Microphone: Representing King's commitment to sharing important stories with the world.
• Film Reel: Symbolizing Flynn's passion for filmmaking and storytelling.

Sánchez plans to bring a plush version of Flynn the Fly, bridging her literary work with her real-life space adventure. 

© Lauren Sánchez

As the launch date approaches, excitement builds. This mission showcases the advancements in space tourism and highlights the importance of diversity and representation in the final frontier. With Sánchez at the helm, the NS-31 mission promises to be a landmark event, inspiring countless individuals to look to the stars and dream big.