Gayle King's Inspiring Journey to Space and Beyond

Gayle King faced her fears and embarked on a journey to space. She prepared for this experience despite admitting she was a nervous flyer and never dreamed of going to space.

To calm her nerves, King sought guidance from meditation teacher Bob Roth. He taught her techniques, including using a mantra, that she could utilize during the flight. She also met with Sarah Knights, a Blue Origin astronaut trainer and high-speed driver, in West Texas.

At the Astronaut Training Center, Knights explained the entire process, from pre-launch to landing. She also informed the astronauts about the phrases "timeout" and "I will not fly," which could be used before liftoff. King stated she never considered using either phrase. During training, Knights reviewed the sounds the crew would hear before launch, including the rocket's engine. After the first day of practice, King felt more prepared.

King received her official flight suit, which had her name on it. She also packed a flight payload bag with personal items, including her grandson's favorite stuffed toy, Tamir. However, she learned the bag would be stowed under her seat. Sesame Street provided a smaller Tamir for the flight.

On launch day, the crew prepared for liftoff. The crew included pop star Katy Perry, journalist and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, film producer Kerianne Flynn, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen. They rang the bell as they approached the capsule and took their seats.

The crew reached the edge of space and experienced the view. The total flight time was approximately 10 minutes and 21 seconds. Upon exiting the spacecraft, King kissed the ground in celebration. She described the experience as "peaceful" and "oddly quiet." King expressed pride in herself and said she could now take on anything. She stated she would do it again.