Nationwide — Gayle King will likely be a part of an all-female crew on Blue Origin’s upcoming house mission this spring. The mission will make historical past as the primary all-female crewed spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo mission in 1963.
At 70 years outdated, King admitted she’s having blended emotions in regards to the expertise. She stated, “I don’t know clarify being terrified and excited on the identical time. It’s like how I felt about to ship a child,” in keeping with CBS News.
Earlier than agreeing to affix the mission, King consulted together with her kids, Kirby and Will, in addition to her longtime pal Oprah Winfrey. As soon as they gave their help, she felt able to take the leap.
King admitted she by no means imagined herself going to house however noticed the chance as a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. “This was by no means my dream. It was by no means my dream,” she stated. “And any individual stated, possibly it is advisable have new desires, Gayle.”
The mission, which goals to encourage future generations of girls in house, additionally consists of pop star Katy Perry, former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronaut Amanda Nguyen, movie producer Kerianne Flynn, and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez.
Sánchez, who helped manage the crew, expressed her pleasure. “I actually see this group as explorers and storytellers, every of us about to be modified by a exceptional view of our lovely planet,” she stated.
The mission, which will likely be Blue Origin’s eleventh human flight, will supply a short suborbital journey with weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth. Whereas the precise launch date is but to be confirmed, the mission is already constructing pleasure as a milestone for ladies in house exploration.
