On April 14, 2025, Gayle King joined Blue Origin’s historic all-female spaceflight, NS-31, alongside Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, and others. The 10-minute suborbital mission, while groundbreaking, has sparked significant criticism.
Gayle King Facing the Critics
Public figures like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski questioned the mission’s relevance amid global challenges. Munn highlighted economic disparities, stating, “There’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs.” Ratajkowski criticized the environmental impact, describing the flight as “beyond parody.”
King addressed these concerns in an interview with Extra, expressing disappointment. “I wish people would do more due diligence,” she said. She emphasized that Blue Origin aims to improve Earth’s conditions, noting efforts to manage waste through space research.
Defending the Mission
King challenged detractors by asking, “Have you been?” She believes firsthand experience offers a deeper understanding of space exploration’s value. She also criticized the term “ride” used to describe the mission, arguing it diminishes the crew’s efforts. “There was nothing frivolous about what we did,” she asserted.
Highlighting the mission’s inspirational impact, King shared, “So many women, girls, even men have reached out to say they were inspired.” She hopes the flight encourages future generations to pursue space exploration.
Despite the backlash, King remains proud of the mission’s achievements and its potential to inspire. She urges critics to consider the broader implications and goals of space travel.