She’s taking her place among the stars!
Aisha Bowe, an esteemed former NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, and global STEM trailblazer, has announced that she will be part of Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, making history as one of six women flying together on the 11th human spaceflight of New Shepard. This groundbreaking team, brought together by Emmy Award-winning journalist Lauren Sánchez, represents a bold step forward for representation in space exploration.
“I’m honored to be part of Blue Origin’s first all-female flight team and this historic moment in space exploration and human potential,” Bowe shared via statement. “This mission is about redefining what’s possible and showing young people, especially girls, that they belong in every field.”
Bowe’s journey to this point is nothing short of extraordinary. Her father was a taxi driver who immigrated from the Bahamas and always instilled in his daughter the importance of education. She struggled early on in school, and teachers advised her to pursue cosmetology, but Bowe saw something different for herself. She eventually began her academic career at a community college before earning degrees in aerospace and space systems engineering from the University of Michigan. Her drive and passion led her to NASA as a rocket scientist, where she contributed to some of the most cutting-edge aerospace advancements. But her impact didn’t stop there.
As the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, an Inc. 5000-recognized engineering firm, and creator of LINGO, a hands-on coding kit startup, Bowe has dedicated her life to expanding access to STEM education. LINGO recently secured $2.3 million in venture capital funding, led by Pinnacle Private Ventures, LLC, reinforcing her commitment to empowering students with essential STEM skills. As one of less than 2% of women founders to raise over $2 million in venture funding, Bowe continues to break barriers and open doors for future innovators.
“STEM education is about equipping people with the skills to shape their own futures. My journey, from community college to NASA to space, has shown me the power of making choices that create more opportunities. STEM careers are not linear, nor are they reserved for those who fit a particular mold. The ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and analyze data opens doors far beyond science and technology,” Bowe told Because Of Them We Can.
Her upcoming spaceflight is more than just a personal achievement—it is a moment of inspiration for generations to come. On her journey as one of a handful of Black women to ever cross the Kármán line between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space, Bowe will be joining other notable figures, including journalist Gayle King and singer Katy Perry. For her, the mission is the pinnacle of her work and one she hopes will bring with it new discoveries.
“Being selected for Blue Origin’s historic flight brings together my passions for aerospace engineering, exploration, and forging new paths. Space exploration isn’t just about leaving Earth; it’s about returning with new tech, ideas, and perspectives that uplift humanity. The overview effect, that profound shift astronauts describe when seeing Earth as one, without borders, changes the way we see our world and our responsibilities to it. My time at NASA and my preparations for this mission have reinforced how space drives progress here on Earth…I am committed to ensuring these advancements reach and inspire people everywhere,” explained Bowe.
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As she travels to space, Bowe will carry postcards filled with handwritten dreams from students in the U.S., the Bahamas, India, and Kenya. This symbolic gesture is a reminder of her own north star and her hopes for a better and brighter future.
“I will be conducting meaningful scientific research during the journey while carrying the dreams of students worldwide,” she said. “These postcards symbolize the next generation’s vision for discovery, progress, and a future without limits.”
Bowe has long advocated for expanding STEM opportunities, reaching thousands globally as a U.S. State Department speaker and earning recognition in documentaries, global campaigns, and major media outlets. She hopes her journey will inspire and expand what’s possible for other young Black girls.
“Every ‘first’ is more than a milestone; it is proof of possibility. When I step into the capsule, I will be thinking of the young Black girls who may see themselves in me. My message to them: your dreams deserve oxygen. The path has not always been smooth. I have been the only woman of color in the room. I have had to prove my worth again and again. But perseverance builds power,” Bowe told BOTWC.
As the world prepares to witness history with the NS-31 mission, Bowe’s presence on the flight is a powerful reminder that space belongs to everyone. She is not just reaching for the stars—she is bringing others along with her.
“Representation in space exploration is not symbolic, it is necessary,” she said. “The future of innovation needs diverse minds and bold ideas. Women and girls must know that they belong in every arena where progress is made, including space,” she reiterated.
This NS-31 mission will be the 11th human flight for the New Shepard program and the 31st in its history, with the crew set to take flight this Spring. For more information about Aisha Bowe and her journey to space, visit www.aishabowe.com and follow her @aishabowe across social platforms.
Cover photo: Former NASA Rocket Scientist Aisha Bowe to Make History as Crew Member on Blue Origin’s First All-Woman Spaceflight/Photo credit: Aisha Bowe