Impending All-Women Spaceflight: Extraordinary or Embarrassing?

The All-Women crew is set to go to space on April 14th, 2025.

Photo courtesy of ELLE Magazine.

On Monday, April 14, a historic moment will take place as the first all-female crew since 1963 is scheduled to launch into space.

The suborbital flight organized by Blue Origin, the private space company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, is expected to last only 11 minutes. The crew will ride a self-flying rocket, briefly experience microgravity, and then return to Earth.

The mission has been praised by some as a symbol of progress for women in space exploration. The crew is made up of a diverse group of women, including both well-known public figures and less familiar names. Supporters have pointed out that the inclusion of women of color, who have largely been overlooked in terms of space exploration, makes the flight even more meaningful.

Though the first woman, Valentina Tereshkova, went to space over 60 years ago, less than 15% of the 600 people who have been launched into space are women, and a report done in 2020 found that almost 90% of astronauts are men.

​​The numbers are even smaller for women of color, who have faced extra barriers like limited access to STEM education and systemic biases. Trailblazers like Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to fly in space, and Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian American woman to fly in space, made history and opened doors, but progress has been slow.

Therefore, many see this as a long overdue celebration of women in a field that has historically been dominated by men. This all-female crew could become a powerful source of inspiration for future generations of women and girls interested in science and space.

However, the launch has also sparked controversy. Some have questioned the timing and purpose of the flight, especially given the current economic struggles many Americans face. Actress Olivia Munn recently called the flight “gluttonous” in an interview on the Today Show, noting that many people are struggling to afford basic necessities.

Critics argue that the mission reflects a growing trend of space tourism that benefits only the wealthy. While the crew includes one trained astronaut, the rest are celebrities or wealthy individuals with little connection to space science.

Some question whether the mission is more about image than impact. Space travel was once centered on scientific discovery and innovation, but critics say this flight feels more like a luxury experience than a meaningful contribution to knowledge or progress.

Reports of glam teams, customized flight suits, and exclusive accommodations have only added to the perception that the flight is more spectacle than substance. Many wonder what this mission offers to the public beyond headlines.

Still, some remain hopeful. They believe that if the women involved use their visibility to speak out on important issues or inspire others, the flight can still be a force for good. Representation matters, and seeing women from different walks of life in space could still have a positive impact.

Whether this spaceflight is ultimately viewed as empowering or out of touch will likely depend on what comes next. For now, it stands as both a milestone and a mirror, reflecting the complex conversation about space, privilege, and progress.