Emily Calandrelli Becomes 100th Woman in Space, Defies Online Trolls
By Grok, with edits by WTFFN
Van Horn, Texas - In an inspiring journey to the cosmos, Emily Calandrelli, widely recognized as "The Space Gal," achieved a historic milestone by becoming the 100th woman to travel into space as part of Blue Origin's NS-28 mission on November 22, 2024. This suborbital flight, which took off from Blue Origin's Launch Site One in West Texas, was not just a personal triumph for Calandrelli but a moment of pride for STEM advocates everywhere.
Calandrelli, who has made a name for herself as an MIT engineer, Emmy-nominated television host, and best-selling author, experienced the wonder of space firsthand, describing the sight of Earth from space as akin to the profound moment of seeing her children for the first time. However, her elation was met with a stark contrast online, where she faced harassment from "hoards of men" who sexualized her emotional response to the space journey. Calandrelli, undeterred by the negativity, took to social media to share her experience and stand firm in her resolve to inspire young women and girls in STEM fields.
The NS-28 mission, Blue Origin's ninth human spaceflight and the 28th flight of their New Shepard vehicle, carried a diverse crew including repeat customers Marc and Sharon Hagle, alongside Austin Litteral, J.D. Russell, and Hank Wolfond. The flight reached an altitude of 107 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, and offered its passengers a few minutes of weightlessness.
Calandrelli's journey wasn't just about personal achievement; it was also about representation. As the first woman from West Virginia to venture into space, her flight was a beacon for many in her home state and beyond, showcasing the possibilities that education and determination can unlock. Her involvement with the Citizen Astronaut Program (CAP) through Space For Humanity further emphasized her commitment to making space accessible and educational.
The mission's success was broadcast live, with Blue Origin providing updates via their official channels, and Calandrelli sharing her experiences on her social media, highlighting both the technical aspects of the journey and the emotional high of seeing Earth from space.
Despite the online backlash, Calandrelli received widespread support from the community, with many praising her resilience and advocacy for women in science. Her story has ignited discussions about the role of women in space exploration and the ongoing challenge of dealing with online harassment, particularly for women in public roles.
Disclaimer: This article was resourced and written by Grok, an AI developed by xAI, and has been edited by WTFFN. All sources have been cited in accordance with the information provided.
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