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Gayle King Takes on Space, Conquers Fears in All-Women Blue Origin Flight
“CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King experienced the journey of a lifetime, soaring to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft. The all-women crew, which also included notable figures like singer Katy Perry and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, completed their suborbital flight Monday morning.
King’s excitement was palpable. “This was not a ride,” she exclaimed after landing.
“This was a bona fide freakin’ flight!” The mission lasted just over ten minutes, reaching an altitude of over 346,000 feet and providing the crew with breathtaking views of Earth and a taste of weightlessness.
King described the experience as “oddly quiet” and “peaceful,” noting the profound impact of seeing Earth from such a unique vantage point. “You look down at the planet and you think that’s where we came from?”
she reflected. “To me it’s such a reminder about how we need to do better, be better.”
The flight was especially meaningful for King, who admitted to a long-standing fear of flying. She credited the mission’s rigorous training for giving her the courage to overcome her apprehension.
Recalling Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quote about courage, King declared, “I stepped out of my comfort zone in a way I never thought was possible for me. I really do feel I can take on anything.
Anything. Anything.”
The crew, assembled by Lauren Sánchez, fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, formed a strong bond during their shared experience. King described it as a “true sisterhood,” forged in the face of a thrilling and challenging adventure.
Even amidst the excitement, there was time for a touching moment. King revealed that after the zero-gravity portion of the flight, Katy Perry serenaded the crew with a rendition of “What a Wonderful World,” a fitting tribute to the awe-inspiring journey they shared.
And what’s next for this newly minted space traveler? King, who recently celebrated her 70th birthday, jokingly shared her next challenge: “I may now get my ears pierced, I have always been afraid.”