Emily Calandrelli’s Emotional Journey to Space #

Gazing out the window of a rocket at Earth’s glistening blue perimeter, Emily Calandrelli experienced a life-altering moment. Less than 24 hours after she became the 100th woman to venture into space, her raw and emotional response was subject to unwarranted online attention.

In a video released after the launch, a wonderstruck Calandrelli exclaimed in awe, “Oh my God, this is space.” It was an emotional reaction to achieving a decades-long dream. Hundreds of supporters praised her as an inspiration for women and young girls, with many watching the live stream with their daughters.

However, a surge of offensive comments led to the removal and editing of the original video. Despite this, Calandrelli remained resolute, stating she would not let trolls spoil the joy and awe of her experience. “I refuse to give much time to the small men on the internet. I feel experiences in my soul,” she expressed. “I will not apologize or feel weird about my reaction. It’s wholly mine and I love it.”

Friday’s mission marked Blue Origin’s ninth human spaceflight for tourism. The rocket flew above the Kármán line, briefly entering outer space before safely returning to West Texas. On board with Calandrelli were Sharon Hagle, Marc Hagle, Austin Litteral, James Russell, and Henry Wolfond.

Upon landing, Calandrelli compared seeing Earth from space to motherhood. “I immediately turned upside down and looked at the planet and then there was so much space,” she said, reliving the moment. “It’s the same feeling I got when my kids were born.”

Reflecting on the journey home, Calandrelli received support from an unexpected source. As she disembarked her flight, a flight attendant offered words of encouragement: “Don’t let them dull your shine.” This simple gesture evoked a sense of camaraderie among women, resonating with Calandrelli’s belief in the power of shared experience.