When asked where this spaceflight ranks among her many accomplishments, Perry didn’t hesitate. “Second to being a mom,” she said emotionally. “That’s why it was hard to go—because that’s all my love right there. But I trusted that the universe would take care of me and my family.”
The day before the launch, Perry gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her preparations in a video shared to Instagram. She showcased her seat inside the spacecraft, proudly labeled “K. Perry,” and reflected on the moment. “I’ve dreamt of going to space for 15 years, and tomorrow that dream becomes a reality,” she wrote in the caption.
Blue Origin announced earlier this year that Perry and King would be among the six women aboard the historic flight. Joining them were aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, who is also engaged to Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos.
Perry has long been an advocate for dreaming big, and this mission was no exception. “Nothing was beyond my imagination as a child,” she previously shared. “Although we didn’t grow up with much, I never stopped looking at the world with hopeful wonder. I’m motivated more than ever to be an example for my daughter—that women should take up space, both literally and figuratively.”
The crew, nicknamed the “Taking Up Space” team, launched at approximately 9:30 a.m. ET, completing a successful and inspiring journey that’s sure to resonate for generations to come.