Aisha Bowe, an entrepreneur, STEM advocate, and former NASA rocket scientist, has successfully completed astronaut training at the 3t Training Center in Houston. This training is part of her preparation for Blue Origin’s upcoming New Shepard flight, which is scheduled for April 14, 2025.
What Is the 3t Houston Facility?
The 3t Houston center is known for providing safety-critical training for people working in high-risk industries like energy and aerospace. It uses realistic simulations to prepare individuals for extreme environments.
Custom Training for a Historic Space Mission
Bowe underwent a personalized training program organized by the Equity Space Alliance. This program included sea survival and safety simulations to prepare her for emergencies during her suborbital journey. According to 3t, Bowe is the only trainee from her group who will be flying to space.
Aisha Bowe Joins Blue Origin’s First All-Women Crew
Aisha will be part of Jeff Bezos’ first all-female New Shepard mission. Other members of the crew include Amanda Nguyễn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez. The mission, named NS-31, will launch from Blue Origin’s site in West Texas.
Hands-On Experience Tailored Just for Her
According to 3t, Bowe’s program was designed without formal certification requirements. This gave the team the freedom to create a hands-on, engaging experience. The training even included Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), as she will travel to the launch site by helicopter.
3t’s Mission to Train for Extreme Conditions
Kevin Franklin, CEO of 3t, expressed pride in supporting Bowe’s mission. He stated that the training helped her gain confidence and skills needed for spaceflight. Franklin added that 3t is dedicated to helping individuals prepare for challenging environments, whether in space or on Earth.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Bowe shared her excitement about the journey and emphasized the importance of preparation and resilience. She hopes to use this opportunity to inspire more young people to explore careers in space and science.
Equity Space Alliance’s Role in Breaking Barriers
Janeya Griffin, President of the Equity Space Alliance Association, said the mission represents the future of space exploration. She highlighted how such initiatives open doors for underrepresented communities and show that space is for everyone.
First Astronaut Trainee at the 3t Center
3t confirmed to Rigzone that Bowe is the first astronaut to receive training at its Houston facility. While the center is typically used for the energy sector, it was adapted for space training through a custom-designed program.
Blue Origin’s Growing List of Space Travelers
Blue Origin has flown 52 people into space through its New Shepard program. Its last mission in February 2025 included six astronauts, including a repeat traveler. The company’s long-term vision is to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space to help preserve Earth.
