Lauren Sanchez fires back at critics of her all-female space mission

Lauren Sanchez is back from space, and she's addressing some of her biggest critics. Over the past months, Sanchez has been preparing for Blue Origin's first all-female mission to space alongside Katy Perry, Gayle King, and more. The group addressed the criticism that has been thrown their way, and their belief why the mission is an important one for society and the world.

© Blue Origin

In conversation with PEOPLE, Sanchez shared that she's aware of the criticism that the mission has received. Instead of focusing on the negatives, Sanchez revealed that many people had reached out to them feeling inspired. “We can all speak to the response we're getting from young women from young girls about what this represents,” said Sanchez. 

 "I get really fired up." 

Sanchez said that if the critics were to see Blue Origins facilities and the people who work there they would change their minds. “I would love to have them come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees that don't just work here but they put their heart and soul into this vehicle,” she said. 

© WireImage for Vanity Fair

“They love their work and they love the mission and it's a big deal for them.” 

“So when we hear comments like that, I just say, trust me. Come with me. I'll show you what this is about, and it's, it's really eye-opening," said Sanchez.

The women's mission marked the 11th one by Blue Origins and the 31st in history. It also marked the first instance of an all-female space flight crew since 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, flew solo to space for three days.

Why Sanchez organized the mission

© Blue Origin

Earlier this year, Blue Origins shared a press release explaining their plans for an all-women space mission, revealing that Sanchez played a key role in orchestrating the whole thing. 

"If someone would have told me that I would be able to go to space one day I would have definitely laughed," said Sanchez at the time of the news release in a video statement. "I can't believe it's happening." 

She revealed that she wanted to inspire women and new generations to dream bigger. "What I'm hoping for is that this flight is not just transformative for them but also for all of the people they tell their story to," she said.

"Hopefully it sparks that imagination to dream big and reach for the stars."

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