CBS anchor Gayle King is rethinking her upcoming space journey after a recent SpaceX rocket explosion has rattled nerves across her inner circle. According to insiders close to the veteran journalist, her planned Blue Origin flight — set to include pop superstar Katy Perry and other celebrity passengers — may now be in jeopardy.
“She’s getting cold feet,” a longtime friend said. “Her inner circle is begging her to stay on Earth.”
King, 69, had previously expressed excitement about joining the exclusive club of civilians headed into orbit. However, a devastating SpaceX rocket failure has turned that excitement into fear for many involved.
SpaceX disaster shakes confidence
Just days ago, a SpaceX test rocket burst into flames shortly after takeoff, reigniting public concerns about commercial space travel safety. While no injuries were reported, the spectacle made headlines and cast doubt over the reliability of non-government launches.
Sources say King’s family is particularly alarmed by the accident. One insider revealed they are terrified she could be risking her life for what amounts to a brief thrill.
“They’re panicked,” the source said. “They just don’t think it’s worth it.”
The Blue Origin flight is expected to last roughly 11 minutes, reaching the edge of space before returning to Earth. While Bezos’ space company has safely flown multiple missions, recent events are fueling fresh anxieties.
Pressure mounting as launch nears
Although the official launch date has not been confirmed, King has been preparing for the experience alongside other high-profile passengers. In addition to Perry, billionaire entrepreneurs and influencers are reportedly set to be aboard.
Behind the scenes, however, the mood has shifted. King’s friends, including industry peers and family members, are urging her to walk away from the mission.
“This isn’t just about Gayle’s legacy or headlines,” said a fellow broadcaster. “It’s about her life.”
Despite the growing pressure, King has not publicly commented on whether she still intends to board the flight. Blue Origin has also remained silent amid the speculation.
Still, insiders insist the decision weighs heavily on the news icon, who has spent decades reporting the biggest stories — but never expected to become one herself.
“She’s torn,” the friend added. “It was supposed to be a bucket-list moment. Now, it feels like a real-life nightmare.”
As the space race between private companies accelerates, so do questions about safety, risk, and celebrity involvement. For Gayle King, the countdown continues — but liftoff remains uncertain.
For now, all eyes are on whether she’ll choose the stars or stay grounded for good.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.