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CBS host Gayle King addressed the criticism surrounding the recent Blue Origin space flight, suggesting that the all-female crew faced a different standard compared to male astronauts. The journalist and talk show host was part of a significant journey on Monday, which included prominent figures like Lauren Sánchez, fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, pop star Katy Perry, film producer Kerianne Flynn, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen.
The rocket successfully landed after a brief flight lasting approximately ten minutes. Nevertheless, the high-profile mission received scrutiny from some who questioned the value of such an endeavor.
In comments made to Entertainment Tonight, King made a compelling comparison between the Blue Origin flight and the historic journey made by American astronaut Alan Shepard in 1961. “Have you been?” she challenged her critics, emphasizing the need for understanding the significance of space travel.
King urged people not to diminish the journey by calling it a ‘ride.’ She highlighted that this terminology is rarely used when discussing male astronauts. “We duplicated the same trajectory that Alan Shepard did back in the day, pretty much. No one called that a ‘ride.’ It was called a flight, it was called a journey,” King articulated.
Moreover, King reflected on the supportive message the flight sends to women and young girls, stating, “I’m very disappointed and very saddened by it. What it’s doing to inspire other women and young girls, please don’t ignore that.” This sentiment illustrates King’s commitment to combating gender bias in the field of aerospace.
In addition to addressing gender issues, King also responded to environmental critiques. Many liberals expressed concerns regarding the ecological impact of space flights, and King defended Blue Origin’s mission. She mentioned that Bezos aimed to explore possibilities to transport waste from Earth into space to create a cleaner planet.
“Space is not an either/or. It’s a both/and. And because you do something in space doesn’t mean you’re taking anything away from Earth,” she remarked. This perspective reflects the dual benefits that space exploration may offer in terms of innovation and environmental solutions.
Model Emily Ratajkowski was one of the celebrities who criticized the flight on social media, calling it “beyond parody.” She questioned the rationale behind spending resources on a space mission. In a TikTok post, Ratajkowski remarked, “You say that you care about Mother Earth and it’s about Mother Earth, and you go up in a spaceship that is built and paid for by a company that is single-handedly destroying the planet. Look at the state of the world and think about how many resources went into putting these women into space. For what? I’m disgusted.”
King previously spoke at a press conference, where she asserted that those who criticize the flight “don’t really understand” its historical significance. She expressed optimism by sharing, “We can all speak to the response we’re getting from young women, from young girls about what this represents.” This statement reflects the positive inspiration the mission aims to instill in future generations.
Despite her strong rebuttals to critics, King acknowledged that most reactions have been encouraging. In her interview with Entertainment Tonight, she concluded, “This is exciting for so many people.” Her remarks suggest that the mission’s legacy may extend beyond the flight itself, potentially opening doors for women in the space industry.
The varied responses to the Blue Origin flight underscore the complex discussions surrounding space exploration, sustainability, and gender representation. As society navigates these conversations, voices like Gayle King’s play a crucial role in advocating for progress and understanding within these critical issues.
