On November 22, 2024, Emily Calandrelli, affectionately known as "The Space Gal," made history by becoming the 100th woman to travel to space, reaching this milestone aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket during the company's NS-28 mission. This significant achievement not only marks her personal triumph but also symbolizes progress for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Calandrelli, a 37-year-old aerospace engineer and TV personality, has built her career around advocating for STEM education and inspiring young women to pursue careers in the sciences. Her recent spaceflight was conducted on December 22, 2024, and reached altitudes of 106 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line—a recognized boundary of space. The flight lasted approximately ten minutes and provided about four minutes of weightlessness.
The mission carried six civilian passengers, which included notable figures like Marc and Sharon Hagle, who were taking their second flight with Blue Origin, and Austin Litteral, sponsored by the livestream shopping platform Whatnot. Among the crew were also J.D. Russell, an entrepreneur, and Hank Wolfond, CEO of a Canadian investment firm.
During her flight, Calandrelli carried with her photographic tributes to the 99 women who had come before her, paying homage to their contributions and sacrifices. She described the moment as deeply emotional, recalling the stunning view of Earth from space as being comparable to the first time she held her children.
Having studied aerospace engineering at West Virginia University and later obtaining her master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Calandrelli's expertise has allowed her to work with NASA and various other leading organizations. Her role as the host of the educational science show, Xploration Outer Space, highlights her commitment to making space exploration more accessible to the public. Through her engaging style, she aims to inspire particularly young girls to believe they can also have careers in these fields.
Emily’s achievement has not been without its challenges, particularly as she faced online trolls shortly after her flight. Following the release of footage capturing her joyful and emotional reaction to seeing Earth from space, she experienced some distress as certain individuals chose to reduce her awe-filled experience to objectifying commentary. This common issue faced by women who achieve significant milestones reflects the still-prevalent misogyny within certain online circles, often leaving those affected to weigh the personal victory against societal criticisms.
Despite the backlash, Calandrelli showcased resilience, choosing to share her experience on her social media platforms, thereby redirecting the narrative back to her accomplishment and the importance of representation within the field of space science. This moment serves not only as her victory but as inspiration for countless women who look up to her as proof of what can be achieved.
It’s remarkable to think this moment took more than six decades to reach. For reference, the first woman to orbit Earth, Valentina Tereshkova, embarked on her historic mission back in 1963. Yet, it wasn't until now - 2024 - for the number of women who have traveled to space to finally hit 100. Calandrelli’s milestone reflects not only her personal dedication but also the gradual shift toward gender inclusivity within fields of science and technology.
For many, Calandrelli’s flight stirred memories of the challenges women have historically faced and the strides they continue to make against longstanding biases. Her role as both a mother and as the host of significant educational initiatives emphasizes the narrative of women being able to balance family and careers, effectively dismantling the stereotype of women needing to choose one or the other.
The public reaction to Calandrelli's successful mission has been overwhelmingly positive, especially among advocates for women and girls pursuing STEM careers. Many believe her experience could galvanize future generations to embrace these fields, seeing them as viable options.
Calandrelli’s parting wisdom echoes her personal philosophy: the importance of chasing one's dreams and remaining undeterred by the negativity of others. Her ability to rise above adversity and extend her platform is expected to leave lasting impacts on the broader narrative of women’s roles within STEM. The broader security and inclusion of women will benefit from her bold steps forward, allowing those within her orbit to feel emboldened to pursue their passions.
Every achievement she claims fortifies the notion for young girls: the sky isn’t the limit; it’s just the beginning. Emily Calandrelli’s spaceflight is just one chapter of her story - one filled with the promise of ambition, courage, and the undeniable belief anyone can reach for the stars.
