At just 22 years old, Karsen Kitchen is already making history—and she's only getting started. In 2024, she became the youngest woman to reach space, crossing the Kármán Line—the boundary where Earth's atmosphere ends and outer space begins. But for Karsen, this wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a signal to the world that the future of space exploration is wide open to those bold enough to chase it. She believes that anyone can go to space.
P.F. Flyers has long stood for adventure and those who dare to push boundaries. In the late 1950s, astronauts like Alan Shepard and John Glenn trained in P.F. Flyers, earning them the title of the unofficial off-duty shoe of America’s earliest space pioneers. We caught up with Karsen to talk about her journey, the future she’s helping shape, and what’s next on her mission to inspire the next generation of explorers.
"This moment represents more than just a personal achievement, it’s proof that the space industry is evolving. It shows that if you work hard enough, dream big enough, and refuse to give up, anything is possible."
—Karsen Kitchen
Q: As the youngest woman to ever cross the Kármán Line and officially reach space, what does that milestone mean to you?
A: Reaching this milestone allows me to set an example for women everywhere. For so long, the space industry has been dominated by men, particularly those with military or engineering backgrounds. It often feels exclusive and out of reach for many. But with the rise of the new space age, that narrative is shifting. This moment represents more than a personal achievement; it’s proof that the space industry is evolving. It shows that anything is possible if you work hard enough, dream big enough, and refuse to give up. Most importantly, it allows me to show young women everywhere they belong hare, too. That their voices, ideas, and dreams are essential.
Q: In a world where true "firsts" are becoming rarer, what does it mean to you to be one of only 100 women in history to have traveled to space?
A: Whenever I remember that I am one of the first 100 to make it to space, I have to do a double-take and remind myself that it's true. It feels so incredibly surreal. It serves as a reminder of how far women have come and how far we will go. I stand on the shoulders of all the women who came before me, and it is an incredible privilege to stand beside them. It means I have the chance to inspire our next generation of explorers, especially young girls who once thought that space was out of reach for them.
Q: How did this opportunity come about? What was your journey like leading up to Blue Origin’s NS-26 Mission?
A: I had the incredible opportunity to attend a previous Blue Origin launch, and while I was there, I made it my mission to meet as many people as possible. I spoke with employees from all different areas and sectors of the company, eager to learn and share my passion. I told them two things: first, that I was born to go to space, to work in this industry, and second, that I would do whatever it takes to make that dream a reality. Ever since I was born, I've known I was placed on this planet to explore what lies beyond. Space has captivated me my entire life. And stepping into that dream was truly surreal.
Q: March is Women’s History Month. How does being part of history yourself feel, and what does this month mean to you?
A: This month represents all the women who came before me, who paved the way for me to achieve all that I have so far. It is so surreal and deeply empowering. It reminds me of all the women who have made incredible strides in the space industry and the world. These women have broken barriers and shown women everywhere that anything is possible, often without recognition.
Q: Space has captivated explorers, scientists, and dreamers for generations. What draws you to it? And for those who might not know, can you explain the significance of the Kármán Line?
A: The Karman Line is the international boundary between Earth’s atmosphere, about 62 miles above sea level. Once you reach past the Karman line, you are internationally considered an astronaut. I was always drawn to the unknown as a kid. I remember looking into the night sky and being captivated and curious about what lies beyond our Earth. I think it represented infinite possibilities and reminded me that anything and everything is possible.
“I have the chance to inspire our next generation of explorers, especially young girls who once thought that space was out of reach for them.”
—Karsen Kitchen
Karsen’s journey is just beginning. With graduation from UNC Chapel Hill on the horizon, her sights are set firmly on one goal: getting back to space. Driven by a relentless curiosity and a passion for pushing boundaries, she’s confident of one thing—she wants to spend her life among the stars.
Fewer than 100 women in history have ever traveled to space, and Karsen is now permanently part of that legacy. Inspired by the trailblazers who came before her, she’s carving a path for the next generation—proof that with passion and perseverance, even the sky isn’t the limit.
Karsen is wearing The Grounder Lo and The Grounder Hi in Sea Salt.
