Gayle King is preparing for the journey of a lifetime, but William Shatner’s “words of wisdom” may have given her more anxiety than reassurance. The veteran journalist is set to join Blue Origin’s upcoming all-female spaceflight, and she turned to Shatner, who traveled to space in 2021, for advice on what to expect.
During their chat on CBS Mornings, Shatner encouraged King to embrace the adventure but also painted a vivid and somewhat terrifying picture of the experience. Describing the intense G-forces and the overwhelming sensation of liftoff, he bluntly told her she might think she is going to die. His attempt at reassurance only made King more nervous.
William Shatner and Gayle King’s exchange sparks some nerves
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The Star Trek captain described more of the reality of space travel, making King increasingly uneasy. He discussed the unchecked effects of weightlessness and how no amount of training here on Earth could really prepare one for hanging in space. His detailed explanation rattled King visibly, prompting her to say he was scaring the beep out of her.
The biggest shocker, though, was when Shatner provided a critical but often overlooked piece of information about the absence of bathrooms on the mission. He informed King that the astronauts wear diapers through the entire process, from takeoff to landing. Before King could get her mind around that piece of information, the segment was done, leaving everyone to imagine her reaction. Despite her fear, King is still excited, willing to step out of her comfort zone and observe space firsthand.
A historic mission awaits
King’s trip is scheduled for April 14, and it will be Blue Origin’s 11th human flight. Pop singer Katy Perry and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe will be joining her. The trip will be the first all-female crew in space since 1963, a milestone in space travel.
Although she probably still has some lingering fears, King is tackling the challenge directly with meditation and preparation. With Shatner’s stern but ultimately encouraging words ringing in her ears, she is ready to embark on an experience she will never forget.