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Television Personality Gayle King Prepares for Blue Origin Spaceflight, Seeks Packing Advice
Television personality Gayle King has confessed to feeling somewhat unprepared when considering what to pack for her forthcoming journey to space with Blue Origin. The celebrated journalist, aged 70, revealed to Us Weekly at the 11th Breakthrough Prize ceremony on Saturday, April 5, that she is still in the early stages of organizing for the suborbital spaceflight. This star-studded gala celebrated notable achievements in science and mathematics. “I’m improvising,” King admitted. “I’m currently assembling my luggage. It’s a challenge to determine appropriate items for a space voyage, isn’t it?”
Grandson Offers Sentimental Packing Suggestion
King further disclosed that she is receiving assistance with her packing from a very special family member: her grandson, Lucas, son of Kirby Bumpus.
“I am currently staying with my daughter,” she explained. “I recently asked my beloved grandson to select a cherished stuffed animal to accompany ‘Gyla’ to space for companionship.” She added, “He is currently considering his options.”
Historic All-Women Crew for Blue Origin Mission
King highlighted the groundbreaking nature of her upcoming space excursion, noting it will be the first Blue Origin mission to be piloted by an all-women crew. The space tourism venture, owned by Jeff Bezos, is set to make history with this flight.
Related Space Tourism News
Katy Perry and Gayle King Are Going to Space
Katy Perry and Gayle King have been officially announced as part of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin’s forthcoming all-women crew for their next space trip. On Thursday, February 27, Blue Origin unveiled the six individuals participating in the spring 2025 mission: Perry, 40, King, 70, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn and helicopter pilot Lauren Sanchez.
Humorous Take on Space Glamour and Anxiety
“As it’s the inaugural all-women crew,” King remarked lightheartedly, “I presume we will attend to our hair and apply some lipstick.”
When Us inquired about King’s anxiety levels as the anticipated April 14 launch date approaches, the Good Morning America co-anchor provided an open and relatable response.
“On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s currently a 12,” she confessed.
Diverse Crew for NS-31 Suborbital Flight
King will participate in Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight alongside pop icon Katy Perry, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics research scientist and civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen, filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, and journalist and helicopter pilot Lauren Sanchez. This mission is designated NS-31.
Comparing Pioneering Women in Space Exploration
The New Shepard rocket will mark a significant milestone as the first all-female spacecraft endeavor since Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s pioneering solo space voyage in 1963.
Suborbital Flight Details and Training
The NS-31 mission is projected to last approximately 11 minutes, propelling King and her fellow space travelers to an altitude of around 65 miles above Earth. While the crew will not achieve space orbit, they will exceed the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary demarcating Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. The launch will originate from Launch Site One in West Texas.
In preparation for their space adventure, King and her crewmates will convene at the launch site in Van Horn, Texas, to undertake their concluding training sessions.
Olivia Munn Questions Space Tourism Rationale
Despite King’s enthusiasm for her forthcoming voyage, not everyone shares the excitement surrounding private space travel. During a co-hosting appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends, actress Olivia Munn questioned co-host Jenna Bush Hager regarding the fundamental purpose of these space excursions.
“What exactly are they doing? And more importantly, why?” Munn queried. “I am aware this may not be a popular viewpoint, but there are numerous pressing global issues at present. What exactly is the intended activity in space?”
She elaborated further, “Additionally, if one desires to travel to space, is it necessary to publicize it? Perhaps just embark, enjoy the experience, and return quietly. Moreover, I find myself contemplating – and this may sound insensitive – the immense cost associated with space travel. Numerous individuals struggle to afford basic necessities such as eggs. Imagine if eggs were to be introduced into space!”