Gayle King’s Journey to Space: From Jitters to Excitement
The All-Woman Crew
Gayle King, a 70-year-old journalist, is set to embark on a historic space flight with Blue Origin’s New Shepard program. She will be joined by Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, pop star Katy Perry, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and activist Amanda Nguyen, making it the first all-woman crew to venture to the Kármán line, where space and Earth’s atmosphere meet.
The Journey Begins
The expedition is part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, which has seen 52 individuals, including company founder Bezos, take the leap beyond the skies in 10 successful launches. King, however, has expressed some major reservations about the upcoming trip.
The Nerves
"I have to tell you I am so afraid. I am. I’m so afraid, but I’m also so excited about it," she said in an interview with her "CBS Mornings" co-hosts. King was initially hesitant, but after discussing the opportunity with her adult children, daughter Kirby and son William, and best friend Oprah Winfrey, she had a change of heart.
The Support System
King’s meeting with the crew and hearing their anecdotes about going to space cemented her decision. "All these people, this has been their dream. This has never been my dream… Somebody said, ‘Well, maybe you need to have new dreams, Gayle,’" she said. King even compared the maelstrom of emotions she has been experiencing to giving birth.
Social Media Reactions
Social media users have expressed a range of reactions to King’s admissions, with some expressing trepidation. "They can’t even bring back the 2 astronauts who are currently lost in space…," wrote one user, alluding to Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck on the International Space Station since their eight-day mission in June 2024.
Conclusion
Despite her initial nerves, King is now excited and looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime experience. With her support system in place, she is ready to take on the challenge. The exact date of the 62-mile journey has not been announced, but King is eager to embark on this new adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Blue Origin’s New Shepard program?
A: Blue Origin’s New Shepard program is a suborbital spaceflight program that allows individuals to experience space travel.
Q: Who is part of the all-woman crew?
A: The all-woman crew consists of Gayle King, Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, pop star Katy Perry, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and activist Amanda Nguyen.
Q: What is the Kármán line?
A: The Kármán line is the boundary between space and Earth’s atmosphere, at an altitude of approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers).
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