Oprah Winfrey tears up watching all-female Blue Origin crew launch

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Premiere Of Netflix's "The Six Triple Eight" - Source: Getty Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer

Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul who is adored worldwide, was one of the most affected as she stared teary-eyed at the historical launch of an all-female team in Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-31.

The event was not just a great historical event for space travel but also for the empowerment of women through the gathering of numerous amazing female leaders and celebrities.


A Moment of History

Blue Origin Launches All-Female Crew Into Space For Brief Flight - Source: Getty Photo by Justin Hame
Blue Origin Launches All-Female Crew Into Space For Brief Flight - Source: Getty Photo by Justin Hame

It was from the West Texas site of Blue Origin that the mission was lifted, hosting the extraordinary crew: Gayle King, a veteran journalist; Katy Perry, a singer and pop icon; Aisha Bowe, a former NASA engineer; Amanda Nguyen, a well-known civil rights activist; Kerianne Flynn, a film producer; and Lauren Sánchez, a pilot/philanthropist.

This was the company's first time sending an all-female crew to space for a suborbital flight, and it made quite a buzz around the world.

Nevertheless, the experience certainly was the most unforgettable event for Oprah. Clad in a yellow attire - an homage to the call sign "Sunshine" of Gayle King– Oprah waved to her best friend, who had been afraid of flying for many years, from the viewing area as she left the spaceport by taking a bold step to fly.


Overwhelmed with Emotion

Montecito Award - 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Source: Getty Photo by Tibrina Hobson
Montecito Award - 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Source: Getty Photo by Tibrina Hobson

It was obvious that tears were streaming down Oprah's cheeks when the rocket crossed the sky. In a conversation with reporters shortly after the flight, she even mentioned,

“This is bigger than just going to space”

She added,

“I've never been more proud of my friend.”

Triumph and Inspiration

Katy Perry Source: Instagram
Katy Perry Source: Instagram

Kelly King, one of the six epic women, had a wonderful time on her 11-minute journey, feeling the weightlessness of space and viewing the curvature of the Earth — an experience King and Perry subsequently referred to as "humbling" and "spiritual awakening."

“Looking down at Earth made me realize—we really need to do better. It’s so quiet, it makes you reflect.” King told reporters.

Singer Katy Perry, speaking on her Instagram Live, said,

“It's about making space for future women. This is all for the benefit of earth.”

Breaking Barriers

TIME Women Of The Year Leadership Forum - Source: Getty
TIME Women Of The Year Leadership Forum - Source: Getty

The mission was not only a symbol but also a powerful message. A flight of Blue Origin NS-31, having ladies with different professional and ethnic origins, stressed the issues of inclusivity and the changing nature of space exploration.

Blue Origin posted on X,

“We just completed our 11th human spaceflight and the 31st flight of the New Shepard program. The astronaut crew included Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez.”

A Legacy in the Making

Blue Origin Launches All-Female Crew Into Space For Brief Flight - Source: Getty Photo by Justin Hamel
Blue Origin Launches All-Female Crew Into Space For Brief Flight - Source: Getty Photo by Justin Hamel

The liftoff itself and the degree of emotion it has called forth in Oprah Winfrey have been mentioned in some circles as the deciding factors of the year 2025. Not only for a lot of people was the event about a rocket launch but also a mark of fellow citizenry, unity, and the women who are becoming an example of bravery and courage for one another.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh