"There was nothing frivolous about what we did"—CBS's Gayle King 'saddened' by criticism of Blue Origin mission

Gayle King is now defending herself and her fellow compatriots of the Blue Origin Space Mission that went to space for approximately eleven minutes before descending back to earth. The crew came under intense scrutiny from people on social media, who alleged that the mission was unnecessary. During her daily appearance on CBS Mornings, Gayle King said:

"There was nothing frivolous about what we did. So, you know, I’m very disappointed and very saddened by it."

Gayle King, along with Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, research scientist Amanda Nguyen, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and Kerianne Flynn, was part of the all-women crew that went up to the boundary of the outer space on Monday, 14 March.

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More about Gayle King's comments as the Blue Origin space mission faces mounting criticism

This recent trip to space by Gayle King and others has been criticized not just by fans but also by fellow celebrities like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski, among others. Olivia Munn, during her appearance on the Today with Jenna and Friends, hosted by Jenna Hager Bush, commented on the New Shepard rocket program, saying:

"What’s the point? Is it historic that you guys are going on a ride? I think it’s a bit gluttonous. But there are so many other things that are so important in the world right now. What are you guys gonna do up in space? "

Gayle King had earlier responded to the criticism during an interview with People Magazine, saying:

"We can all speak to the response we're getting from young women from young girls about what this represents. Anybody that’s criticizing it doesn’t really understand what is happening here.”

Now, during her appearance on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, a program she cohosts with Tony Dukoupil and Nate Burleson, Gayle King attempted to explain that the vision of Blue Origin is to make the planet a better place, saying:

"What Blue Origin wants to do is take the waste here and figure out a way to put it in space to make our planet cleaner. Jeff Bezos has so many ideas, and the people that are working there are really devoted and dedicated to making our planet a better place. That's number one."

She further added that she was disappointed with the criticism of the mission, as, according to her, many have failed to see that the mission is inspiring other women. According to her, a number of young women, girls, and even men have contacted her after the trip, expressing how this experience has motivated them to aim higher.

Gayle King is not the only one who has defended this mission. Earlier, Lauren Sanchez said in a statement obtained by People Magazine that the actual work of the mission happens behind the scenes, where there are people who passionately work towards its goals.

"I would love to have them come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees that don't just work here but they put their heart and soul into this vehicle. They love their work and they love the mission and it's a big deal for them."

The mission was funded by Jeff Bezos, who is Lauren Sanchez's fiancé, making this the eleventh mission in the Blue Origin New Shepard program's history, according to People Magazine.