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Gayle King Reflects on Historic Blue Origin Space Flight
In a recent interview with “Extra’s” Mona Kosar Abdi, Gayle King shared her thoughts and feelings following her participation in Blue Origin’s groundbreaking all-female spaceflight. The flight marked a significant moment in space exploration history, and King was eager to discuss her experience.
Despite being a seasoned journalist, King admitted to facing considerable anxiety before the launch. “I was terrified,” she confessed, revealing that her fear of flying contributed to her apprehension. While she acknowledged the extensive training she had received, she found the thought of “putting your butt on a rocket” to be quite daunting.
Reflecting on her journey, King explained how she managed to confront her fears. “You start looking at the bigger picture,” she said, emphasizing her desire to embrace new adventures in her life. “I want to be open to new experiences, whether it’s dating or a new job… I didn’t dream this big.” She expressed amazement at the fact that she sat in seat #5 during the flight, admitting, “When I watch the video, I’m blown away by it myself.”
King humorously remarked on the reactions to her expressions during the flight, admitting that her scared face was “not a cute look.” She noted, “I do wish, looking at those pictures, that I would have smiled a little bit.” Her candidness about the experience highlighted the contrast between her own nervousness and the joy displayed by fellow passengers, who were excitedly preparing for the adventure.
In terms of the flight’s return to Earth, King shared a poignant moment when singer Katy Perry performed “What a Wonderful World” as they descended. She described the beauty of the parachutes and the serenity of the moment, noting that everyone chose to simply enjoy Perry’s voice filling the capsule. “It was really magical,” she recalled. Perry later revealed that the song came to her spontaneously while looking out the window.
King also addressed criticism surrounding the mission, expressing her disdain for those who diminish its significance. “I think it’s good that we can really address it,” she stated. Initially skeptical about the costs associated with space exploration, King’s perspective shifted as she learned about Blue Origin’s goals. “When I look at what Blue Origin does, I see an intention to harness waste and improve our planet. Space technology plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, from GPS to satellite communications,” she explained.
King went on to highlight the scientific contributions of the mission, mentioning that two crew members were actively engaged in research during the flight. Despite her modesty in calling herself an astronaut, she urged others to educate themselves about space travel before passing judgment. “Have you been to space? Go to Blue Origin, learn what they do, and then come back and critique it. Yes, it’s expensive, but with a larger community involved, costs could decrease,” she pointed out.
Furthermore, King advocated for respecting the terminology surrounding space travel, describing her experience not as a “ride” but as a legitimate flight mirroring Alan Shepard’s historic journey. She emphasized the importance of framing these missions accurately, especially to honor the efforts of the men and women involved.
She noted the inspiration her journey has provided for others, particularly young girls and women considering careers in space exploration. “I’ve had so many girls and women say, ‘I saw what you did; maybe I should reconsider,’” King recounted. She acknowledged the impact her experience can have on young boys as well, illustrating the broader influence of inclusivity in STEM fields.
Despite encountering critics, King remains steadfast in her joy. “I’m not going to let negative comments diminish my happiness or the significance of what we accomplished,” she affirmed. “I’m just not going to let it in.”
King’s thoughts turned to her upcoming attendance at the wedding of her fellow astronaut Lauren Sanchez and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos. When asked about a potential wedding gift, she chuckled, saying, “I would be surprised if they’re even asking for a wedding gift! What do you get?” She expressed her happiness for the couple, anticipating a grand celebration.
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extratv.com