In a groundbreaking event for space tourism, Gayle King, along with an all-female crew, launched into space on Monday, April 14, 2025, aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. This historic mission marks the first all-female spaceflight in over 60 years, showcasing a diverse group of women who are breaking barriers in the field of space exploration.
The launch took place from Blue Origin's facility in West Texas at approximately 9:30 a.m. ET. The crew included notable figures such as pop star Katy Perry, journalist Lauren Sánchez, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and independent film producer Kerianne Flynn. Together, they embarked on a journey that would place them among the select few who have ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
King, who turned 70 in December 2024, expressed her excitement and nervousness leading up to the launch. "I still get very uncomfortable when people say, 'astronaut.' I in no means feel like an astronaut," she shared during a pre-launch interview with CBS Mornings. Despite her initial apprehensions, King recognized the significance of being part of an all-female crew. "There was something about being part of the first female team to me. The group of women that they put together is so extraordinary to me that I thought, 'Wow. Why would I not wanna be a part of that?'" she added.
The flight lasted approximately 11 minutes, during which the crew ascended to over 346,000 feet, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. At this altitude, they experienced a brief period of weightlessness. The New Shepard rocket achieved a maximum velocity of roughly three times the speed of sound during its ascent. After reaching the peak of their journey, the capsule deployed parachutes and landed safely near the launch site shortly after 9:40 a.m. EDT.
Upon their return, King shared a heartwarming moment where Perry sang Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" as they settled back into their seats. Perry, who had long dreamed of going to space, remarked, "I feel super connected to love," while holding a daisy, a flower she had brought along to remind her of her daughter, Daisy.
In the days leading up to the launch, King was surprised with heartfelt messages from friends and colleagues, including actor Tom Hanks and the CBS Mornings family. She expressed gratitude for the support she received from her family, stating, "If any of the three of them had said, 'I don't think it's a good idea,' or, 'I'm worried,' I wouldn't have done it. But they were all so excited and enthusiastic for me." King’s family, including her grandchildren, were equally thrilled about her historic journey. "Luca's 3, so he understands. … He'll be 4 in September, so he knows Gaila's going on a rocket ship and he wanted to go," she said, referring to a nickname her grandchildren have for her.
Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty provided an educational preview of the mission, explaining to King and her co-host Vladimir Duthiers what they would see during their flight. "You will reach an altitude where the atmosphere gets thinner, thinner, thinner, and then the sky will start to turn dark," Faherty explained. This scientific insight added a layer of excitement to the adventure.
The mission was a significant milestone not only for the crew but also for the growing space tourism industry. Blue Origin, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has been at the forefront of commercial space travel, with flights that can reportedly cost passengers millions. While the company does not publicly disclose the average cost of a seat, potential passengers must pay a refundable deposit of $150,000 to start the booking process. In 2021, a seat on a New Shepard flight was auctioned for a staggering $28 million.
Despite the excitement surrounding the mission, reactions to space tourism have been mixed. Actress Olivia Munn criticized the venture, calling it "gluttonous" and highlighting the disparity between the wealthy who can afford such experiences and those struggling with basic needs. Social media responses have echoed similar sentiments, with some users expressing anxiety about the risks involved in space travel.
However, the women on this historic flight aimed to inspire future generations. Perry, in a cover story about the mission, stated, "I’ve always been interested in astrophysics and interested in astronomy and astrology and the stars," emphasizing her desire to motivate young girls to pursue their dreams, including space exploration.
The significance of this mission cannot be understated. It is a powerful statement about female representation in fields traditionally dominated by men, particularly in science and technology. King encapsulated this message beautifully when she said, "To know that I pulled this off, that it'll be an inspiration to somebody at some point in their lives. That's what I hope."
As the crew returned to Earth, they not only celebrated their successful journey but also paved the way for future female astronauts and explorers. The mission serves as a reminder that the sky is not the limit; it is merely the beginning of endless possibilities.
