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The anticipation is reaching its peak as Blue Origin’s historic rocket launch approaches, featuring a remarkable crew that includes Gayle King, co-host of “CBS Mornings.” With only minutes to go, the excitement is palpable.
Ahead of this timely journey, King engaged in a conversation with fellow CBS Mornings host Vladimir Duthiers, sharing her feelings about the prospect of space travel, her unanswered questions, and the encouragement she has received from loved ones.
King expressed that she is still coming to terms with the entire experience, stating, “I’ll be ready Monday morning, I promise. But I still have a ways to go before I’m like, ‘Okay, put me in, coach. Let’s go.'”
Joining her on this groundbreaking mission is a remarkable all-female crew, which features notable personalities such as pop star Katy Perry, journalist and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights leader Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
This journey will place these women in a unique and exclusive group, as the total number of individuals who have traveled to space is roughly equal to the number of seats available in a standard Broadway theater.
Viewing Details for Blue Origin’s All-Women Spaceflight
What: Blue Origin’s first all-female space mission
Date: Monday, April 14, 2025
Time: Coverage begins at 9 a.m. ET
Location: Launch Site One in West Texas
On TV: CBS television stations
Online stream: Watch CBS News 24/7 in the video player above, download the free CBS News app, or stream on Paramount+
While she had never envisioned herself as an astronaut, King acknowledged the significance of participating in this historic all-female team. “The group of women that they put together is so extraordinary that I thought, ‘Wow. Why would I not want to be a part of that?'” she said.
Now aged 70, King reflected on how her current opportunity seemed unimaginable just six months prior.
“I find myself looking at some of these young people and saying, ‘Keep up.’ I don’t have hang-ups about turning 70; everyone can define that for themselves,” she stated.
Despite her nervousness regarding flying, she eagerly anticipates the sensation of weightlessness. “I’m looking forward to just floating in space and experiencing that feeling and view,” she expressed.
King revealed she has practical concerns ahead of the mission as well. “I find myself wondering, ‘How do you get back into your seat after you get out and are floating around?'” she laughed. “It’s like swimming back down? I’ll learn that in training and try to float gracefully.”
Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty provided King and Duthiers with a glimpse of what they will witness during the mission. “You will reach an altitude where the atmosphere gets thinner and thinner, and then the sky will start to darken,” Faherty explained, detailing the breathtaking sights 62 miles above Earth.
As part of her preparations, King is packing a small bag with mementos to take with her. Among her items are a locket from actress Drew Barrymore containing pictures of her children, a plush toy of her grandson’s favorite Sesame Street character, and a bracelet crafted by a co-worker’s young daughter.
Messages of Support for the Spaceflight
Recently, King received a heartfelt surprise during a “Talk of the Table” segment, featuring a montage of well-wishing messages from notable figures such as actor Tom Hanks and Aisha Bowe, along with encouragement from the “CBS Mornings” team.
King expressed deep appreciation for the support from her family, including her children Kirby and Will, and her close friend Oprah. “If any of them had voiced concerns, I wouldn’t have gone. But they were all thrilled for me,” she noted.
Interestingly, if they were presented similar opportunities to fly into space, King revealed she might not react with enthusiasm. However, she added that she would ultimately be supportive.
Even her young grandchildren are excited about her adventure. “Luca is 3 years old and understands what’s happening. He knows Gaila is going on a rocket ship and wanted to go along,” she said.
King explained how her grandchildren call her “Gaila,” a fusion of her name and Gaia, a reference to Earth, allowing for a humorous take on the situation. “Because it’s … Mother Earth! I hadn’t even considered that,” she chuckled.
King’s Inspiration for Others
As the launch countdown approaches, King conveyed an encouraging message: she hopes her journey serves as a source of pride and inspiration for those watching. “To know that I pulled this off will inspire someone at some point in their lives. That’s my hope,” she articulated.
Lastly, King motivates others to aim high, stating, “God can dream a bigger dream for you than you can dream for yourselves. It also illustrates what is possible at this age.”
Source
www.cbsnews.com