Gayle King, the beloved co-host of CBS Mornings, is about to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will take her beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. On Thursday, she was announced as a member of Blue Origin’s historic space flight crew, which will be entirely female. The exciting journey is set to launch this spring, marking an important milestone for space exploration, especially for women in science and technology.
Blue Origin, the private space company founded by Jeff Bezos, has been working to make space travel accessible to a broader range of people. This particular mission, which is the 11th flight of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, will feature an all-female crew, something that has never been done before in the history of commercial space flights. The crew members include a diverse and accomplished group of women, each with a unique background and an inspiring life story.
Joining Gayle King on the flight will be pop superstar Katy Perry, who is known for her chart-topping hits and her passionate advocacy for women’s rights. Also part of the crew is Lauren Sánchez, a journalist, philanthropist, and the founder of the non-profit organization, the Sánchez Family Foundation. Sánchez has been an active voice in supporting women in the fields of science, technology, and space exploration.
Other crew members include Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist who has made significant contributions to space technology and research. Bowe has been a trailblazer for women and people of color in the aerospace industry, and her participation in this mission further underscores the significance of the flight.
Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights activist known for her work advancing the rights of sexual assault survivors, is also on the team. Last but not least, the crew will include film producer Kerianne Flynn, whose work has centered on social justice issues and the empowerment of women.
Together, these women will take part in a historic journey to the Kármán line, which is the boundary that separates Earth’s atmosphere from space. The Kármán line sits 62 miles above the Earth’s surface and is widely recognized as the official start of space.
While this milestone is exciting for anyone who gets the opportunity to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere, this flight holds particular significance because of the all-women crew. It’s a powerful reminder of the incredible achievements women can accomplish in fields like space exploration, technology, and beyond.
The excitement surrounding the mission is palpable, especially for Gayle King. The 70-year-old media personality has never been one to shy away from new experiences and challenges, and this opportunity to travel to space represents a bold step into a new chapter in her life. “I don’t know how to explain being terrified and excited at the same time.
It’s like how I felt about delivering a baby,” King said during the announcement on CBS Mornings. For King, this flight represents more than just a thrilling adventure; it is a chance to embrace something new and push the boundaries of what she thought was possible.
While Gayle King admits that space travel was never on her bucket list, she is eager to take part in the mission. “This was never my dream. It was never my dream,” she confessed. However, after considering the opportunity, she realized that it was time to open herself up to new adventures. “Maybe you need to have new dreams, Gayle,” she said, reflecting on the advice she received from friends and family.
Before agreeing to join the crew, King sought the advice of her children, Kirby and Will, as well as her close friend Oprah Winfrey. Oprah, who has been a long-time mentor to King, was supportive of the idea. “Once Kirby and Will and Oprah were fine with it, I was fine,” King explained.
Oprah, known for her empowering words of wisdom, reassured King, saying, “I think if you don’t do it, when they all come back and you had the opportunity to do it, you will be kicking yourself.” Oprah’s encouragement played a significant role in helping King decide to go for it.
For King, stepping out of her comfort zone has always been a part of her journey. She’s faced many challenges throughout her career, but each new opportunity has helped her grow as an individual. Now, as she prepares to journey to space, King is excited about what lies ahead. “I feel well prepared.
I believe in Blue Origin, what they’re doing,” she said, expressing her confidence in the team and the mission’s success. Despite her initial nerves, King is ready for the experience, and she is genuinely looking forward to the adventure.
Beyond the excitement and nerves, King has great admiration for her fellow crew members. “These women are so badass,” she said, acknowledging the impressive accomplishments of her fellow astronauts. Each of the women on the mission has made significant contributions to their respective fields, and their participation in this mission is a powerful example of what women can achieve when given the opportunity.
From Aisha Bowe’s groundbreaking work in aerospace to Amanda Nguyen’s advocacy for sexual assault survivors, the crew is composed of women who are leaders in their industries and role models for future generations.
The upcoming flight is not just a historic moment for the crew members; it is also a significant step forward in the broader mission of space exploration. As private companies like Blue Origin continue to develop the technology and infrastructure necessary to make space travel more accessible, there is hope that more people, especially women and people from underrepresented communities, will have the opportunity to reach the stars.
The mission will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their own dreams, no matter how big or unconventional they may seem. For Gayle King, this flight represents the courage to try something new, to embrace the unknown, and to prove that it’s never too late to chase new dreams. As she prepares to embark on this groundbreaking journey, she is ready to make history and inspire millions along the way.
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