First Kazakh Woman in Space Returns to Earth on Blue Origin Flight

On October 8, 2025, Kazakh citizen Danna Karagussova successfully completed a suborbital flight aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft, becoming the first woman from Kazakhstan and the wider CIS, to travel into space. The mission marked the 15th crewed flight and the 16th successful launch and landing of the NS4 rocket operated by the company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos. Karagussova’s return was announced by her son, Aituar Alibekov, on the social media platform Threads: “She’s back. The first space tourist from Kazakhstan and the CIS. Love you and so proud of you, Mom.” According to SciNews, the New Shepard launched from Blue Origin’s West Texas facility and returned to Earth approximately 10 to 12 minutes later, landing at 13:30 UTC (08:30 Texas time). Karagussova was joined by five other passengers: entrepreneur Jeff Elgin, engineer Clint Kelly III, startup founder Aaron Newman, Ukrainian businessman Vitalii Ostrovsky, and one individual who remained anonymous. The spacecraft reached an altitude of around 100 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, where passengers experienced several minutes of weightlessness and panoramic views of Earth. Ticket prices for Blue Origin’s commercial flights have not been publicly disclosed. Before the launch, Karagussova shared a photo from aboard the spacecraft, generating significant attention on social media. Kazakh blogger and entrepreneur Beibit Alibekov, her former husband, praised her accomplishment, emphasizing its historic significance. Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported on Karagussova’s upcoming flight as part of Blue Origin’s NS-36 mission, part of a series of suborbital flights the company has conducted since 2021. Karagussova is a prominent Kazakh entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in media, event management, and distribution. She is also the co-founder of the Portals project, which combines science, art, and digital self-regulation technologies. Beyond her professional life, she is an avid mountaineer, having climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus, endeavors she sees as symbolic of her persistence and ambition. “The future of humanity lies in space. By exploring new horizons, we not only advance technology but also expand our own potential. For me, the NS-36 mission with Blue Origin is part of a research project and a step toward a dream I have pursued for many years,” she wrote on Instagram. Karagussova’s flight represents a milestone for Kazakhstan and the post-Soviet region. Globally, only a limited number of non-professional astronauts have traveled beyond Earth’s atmosphere, making her achievement a noteworthy addition to the growing history of commercial spaceflight.

First Kazakh Woman Heads to Space with Blue Origin

Kazakh entrepreneur Danna Karagussova is set to make history as the first woman from Kazakhstan to travel into space. She will join Blue Origin’s upcoming New Shepard NS-36 mission, marking both a personal milestone and a significant event for her country. Suborbital Flight on New Shepard Karagussova will be one of six passengers aboard the suborbital spacecraft, alongside United States entrepreneur Jeff Elgin, engineer Clint Kelly III, startup founder Aaron Newman, Ukrainian businessman Vitalii Ostrovsky, and one participant who has chosen to remain anonymous. For Kelly, this will be his second spaceflight after his participation in the NS-22 mission. Blue Origin has confirmed that the upcoming launch will be its 15th crewed mission. To date, the company’s spacecraft have carried 75 people beyond the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. The launch date has not yet been disclosed, but the event will be livestreamed on BlueOrigin.com, X, and YouTube, beginning 30 minutes before liftoff. Who Is Danna Karagussova? Karagussova brings more than 25 years of experience in media, distribution, and event management. She is the co-founder of Portals, a project that combines digital self-regulation tools with science and art. Outside of business, she has climbed both Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus, reflecting her resilience and determination. Now, she is turning her focus to space, which she describes not as entertainment but as a profound and transformative journey. Writing on Instagram, she said: “The future of humanity is tied to space. By exploring new horizons, we not only develop technologies but also expand our own potential. For me, the NS-36 mission is part of a research project and a step toward a dream I have pursued for many years.” Kazakhstan’s Other Space Initiatives Karagussova’s mission comes as Kazakhstan expands its space research efforts. In Astana, a unique isolation experiment known as SANA-1 recently began, the country’s first such initiative featuring an all-female crew. Over ten days, participants live inside a spacecraft-simulation module, undergoing medical, cognitive, and engineering assessments. The project, launched by the Eurasian Ventures Group and supported by Kazakh cosmonaut Aidyn Aimbetov, aims to inspire young people and build interest in STEM fields. It also contributes to the knowledge base for Kazakhstan’s future space programs and highlights the growing role of women in science.