On April 14, 2025, Gayle King, co-host of "CBS Mornings," will embark on a historic journey to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. This mission marks the first all-female crew to fly into space since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963. Joining King on this 11-minute ride are pop superstar Katy Perry, journalist and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
The crew is set to launch from Blue Origin's Launch Site One in West Texas, reaching the Kármán line, which is recognized as the boundary of space, approximately 62 miles above Earth. The excitement surrounding this mission is palpable, but it comes at a time when "CBS Mornings" is experiencing a significant ratings slump, drawing fewer than 2 million viewers in recent weeks.
King expressed her mixed feelings about the upcoming flight, stating, "I don’t know how to explain being terrified and excited at the same time. It’s like how I felt about delivering a baby." This sentiment resonates with many, especially as she prepares for a journey that pushes her beyond her comfort zone. Recently celebrating her 70th birthday, King views this opportunity as a chance to embrace new adventures.
Since 2021, Blue Origin has successfully flown 52 passengers into space, with this upcoming flight being its 11th human mission. The New Shepard rocket operates autonomously and is designed for suborbital travel, allowing passengers to experience a brief period of weightlessness before descending back to Earth.
The significance of this flight extends beyond just the thrill of space travel; it represents a milestone for women in aerospace. As King noted, the crew comprises women who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Aisha Bowe, for instance, will become the first person of Bahamian descent to travel to space. She remarked, "This crew represents the best in the future of humanity. It’s really space for the benefit of Earth."
Amanda Nguyen, who will also be making history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, plans to conduct two science experiments during the flight, one focusing on plant pathology and another on women's health, particularly menstruation. She stated, "What a historic crew. Each one of my crewmates represents a community. I’m so proud to be representing mine as the first Vietnamese woman in space."
Despite the excitement, the mission has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the crew's decision to highlight their glamour during the flight. In a recent interview, the crew members discussed their plans to look stylish in space, which sparked criticism from various quarters. Actress Olivia Munn questioned the mission's purpose, stating, "What’s the point? Is it historic that you guys are going on a ride?" This sentiment reflects concerns that the mission may prioritize celebrity over meaningful scientific exploration.
As the countdown to the launch continues, the crew is undergoing final preparations, including training sessions and fittings for their flight suits. King has been meditating to manage her nerves, a testament to the pressure and expectations surrounding this flight. The launch will be broadcast live on CBS, with special coverage starting at 9 a.m. ET.
In the background of this monumental event, "CBS Mornings" has been struggling with viewership, recently recording under 2 million total viewers, significantly trailing behind competitors like "Good Morning America" and "Today," which pulled in 2.8 million and 2.6 million viewers, respectively. Industry insiders attribute this decline to a perceived lack of engaging content and chemistry among the anchors. Critics have highlighted segments that they feel do not resonate with the broader audience, such as a recent interview with Bob the Drag Queen.
Sources close to the show have expressed concerns about the programming's focus, suggesting that it has become too niche and alienating. "It’s become a niche New York show," one insider commented, emphasizing the need for a more relatable approach to attract viewers.
In an effort to revitalize the program, CBS recently appointed Tom Cibrowski as president of CBS News. Cibrowski, who previously oversaw "Good Morning America," is expected to bring fresh ideas and strategies to improve the morning show's ratings. During his initial week, he demonstrated a hands-on approach by meeting with crew members and producers, signaling a commitment to enhancing the show's quality.
As for King, she hopes that her space journey will provide a much-needed boost to the show's ratings. "They have no money to hire new, good people, but Tom can change the quality of the work and the story selection," a source noted. Although the upcoming space flight is seen by some as a publicity stunt, King remains optimistic that it will resonate with audiences.
The mission is not just about the thrill of space travel; it’s about representation and breaking barriers. As King prepares to take flight, she embodies the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of new dreams, even at 70. With a diverse and accomplished crew, the upcoming launch promises to be a landmark event in both space exploration and media, and it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds.
