The Rocket Scientists Redefining Pageantry
They may wear crowns and heels — but these Miss England stars are just as comfortable with planes, rockets and runways as they are with real science.
In an extraordinary twist on traditional beauty pageants, three standout contestants — Maleha Khan, Jessica Gagen and Maroon Rahman — are proving that today’s beauty queens are as intelligent as they are inspiring.
From piloting aircraft to working alongside global space agencies, these women are breaking barriers and showing that the future of STEM could look very different… and far more glamorous.
 A New Era of Space Exploration — Artemis
With global attention focused on NASA’s Artemis programme, humanity is entering a bold new chapter of space exploration — returning to the Moon and paving the way for missions to Mars.
But Artemis is about more than science. It represents a shift in who gets to be part of space history, with women playing a central role like never before.
And inspiring that next generation? Women like these Miss England finalists.
 Maleha Khan: The Pilot Who Wants to Go to Space
Maleha with Tim Peak the first British Astronaut
Top 12 Miss England 2025 finalist and reigning Miss Hampshire, Maleha Khan has ambitions that go far beyond Earth.
Now a propulsion engineer working on the world’s first long-term hydrogen rocket design, Maleha is also a passionate speaker — presenting lectures at the Royal Aeronautical Society and Farnborough International Airshow.
A pilot since just 15 years old, she secured four elite flying scholarships from the Royal Air Force, the British Women Pilots Association, and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. She has flown five different aircraft and helicopters and became a Commander of an RAF University Air Squadron, leading 75 personnel.
With a Master’s degree in Spacecraft Engineering, Maleha has worked with the UK Space Agency, collaborating with NASA, the European Space Agency, UK Space Command, and British astronauts.
Speaking about the Artemis missions, Maleha describes them as a true marvel — reminding the world to dream big and stay curious.
Now, her goal is clear:
“The reason I’ve done all of my training is I dream one day of going into space.”
Maleha hopes to become the first British Pakistani woman to go into space, inspiring a whole new generation of young women to follow.
 Jessica Gagen: From Crown to Kennedy Space Centre
Jessica Gagen, Miss England 2022, took her passion for science all the way to the global stage.
After placing in the Top 8 at Miss World, Jessica used her platform to champion women in STEM through her Beauty with a Purpose project — encouraging girls across the UK to pursue careers in science and engineering.
During her reign, Jessica travelled to Las Vegas to attend the prestigious ASCEND Space Conference (23rd–25th October), where she was a featured speaker, presenting on:
“Engaging the Public through the International Space Station.”
She then flew to Orlando, Florida, working alongside Boeing’s social media team on the Space Coast to create content highlighting how STEM drives the aerospace industry.
While in the US, she:
Toured Boeing’s aerospace facilities
Visited the Kennedy Space Centre
Joined a panel discussion with Redwire Space
Witnessed a live SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch
Reflecting on the experience, Jessica said:
“This trip was everything an aerospace engineer could have ever dreamed of — I feel incredibly blessed!”
Jessica has become a powerful voice for change — proving that influence can extend far beyond the runway and into the future of space exploration.
 Maroon Rahman: The Rocket Scientist Changing the Narrative
Maroon Rahman, a Miss England 2024 semi-finalist, represents the growing number of highly educated women entering the pageant world — and using it as a platform to inspire others.
A Graduate Systems Engineer with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, Maroon is already building an impressive career within the aerospace sector. She is actively involved in the industry — contributing to organisations such as the Vulcan to the Sky Trust and attending major aviation events like RIAT.
Speaking about Artemis, she highlights its deeper significance:
“The Artemis programme represents a new era of space exploration… redefining who gets to be part of that journey.
Seeing women represented in such a historic programme sends a powerful message — that there is a place for them in space, science and engineering.”
Maroon believes Artemis is not just a mission — but a symbol of progress and possibility, encouraging young women to not only enter STEM fields, but to thrive and lead within them.
Her presence challenges outdated stereotypes and reinforces a powerful truth:
beauty and intelligence are not mutually exclusive.
 Beauty With a Purpose — And a Future in Space?
Miss England continues to champion women from all walks of life through its “Beauty with a Purpose” ethos — and today, that purpose increasingly includes education, empowerment, and breaking barriers in STEM.
With global focus on space exploration and diversity, the need for representation has never been greater — and these women are helping to lead that change.
 From Catwalk to Cosmos
From flying planes to building rockets, beauty queens around the world — including titles like Miss USA — are redefining what it means to wear a crown.
They are rocket scientists.
They are leaders.
They are role models.
And they just happen to wear crowns too.
 Move over astronauts — the next giant leap for womankind might just come from a beauty queen.
