Lauren Sanchez, journalist and girlfriend of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, will be leading an all-female crew to space. The 53-year-old plans to fly to space on Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket with women striving to make the world a better place. The journey is due to take place in early 2024, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The names of the other women going to space with Sanchez haven’t been revealed. That will happen closer to departure. However, Sanchez wants to fill the rocket with those who truly deserve it. “It’s going to be women who are making a difference in the world and who are impactful and have a message to send,” she said.
Jeff Bezos won’t go to space with Lauren Sanchez
While you would think Jeff Bezos would jump at the chance to go to space with his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez is happy he’s staying behind on Earth.
“As much as he wants to go on this flight, I’m going to have to hold him back, he’ll be cheering us all on from the sidelines,” she explained. “I’ve wanted to be in the rocket from the jump, so [Bezos] is excited to make this happen with all of these women.”
Blue Origin has launched six passenger flights since the space travel company launched. Bezos himself was on one of them in 2021. However, in September 2022, an unmanned Blue Origin New Shepard spacecraft experienced an unplanned rocket booster separation. The FAA has barred Blue Origin from launching further rockets pending an investigation.
It’s unclear what the purpose of the mission to the outer edges of space will be for Sanchez. However, simply having the opportunity to see the universe in a way most people never will is enough. There’s something beautiful and special about the planet and space. No doubt she’ll come back with plenty of stories to tell. Bon voyage!
