Emily Calandrelli recently made headlines as she became the 100th woman to journey into space, a significant milestone that sparked both celebration and controversy. This event occurred less than 24 hours before she experienced a barrage of online harassment following an emotional moment she shared during her flight aboard a rocket operated by Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Blue Origin. Grasping the profoundness of her experience, she was overwhelmed with joy, exclaiming, “Oh my God, this is space,” as she gazed upon the Earth from above. Unfortunately, this beautiful moment was tainted by the invasive and degrading comments made by many internet trolls, who chose to sexualize her response and diminish the significance of her achievement.
Despite the negative backlash, Calandrelli received an immense amount of support on social media. Many users extended heartfelt messages, acknowledging her as an inspiration to women and girls everywhere. In particular, several mothers shared their experiences of watching the launch live with their daughters, highlighting the impact of visibility in breaking barriers for women in STEM fields. Such narratives draw attention to the importance of representation and the role models that influential women like Calandrelli provide.
However, the overwhelming negativity from some sectors of the online world became so pronounced that Blue Origin felt compelled to remove its original launch video due to the offensive comments it attracted. In her statements, Calandrelli indicated that she would not allow these trolls to overshadow the elation of her life-altering experience. She emphasized her commitment to refraining from giving too much attention to “the small men on the internet,” reminding herself that the joy she felt was deeply personal. “I will not apologize or feel weird about my reaction. It’s wholly mine, and I love it,” she declared.
A representative for Calandrelli stated that she prefers to focus on the inspiration stemming from her journey rather than engaging further with those who harbor misguided views. This statement resonates with countless individuals who encounter similar harassment, serving as a reminder that the achievements of women in spaces traditionally dominated by men should be celebrated rather than tarnished by misogyny.
The mission, part of Blue Origin’s ongoing efforts in space tourism, marked its ninth human flight and successfully ascended above the Kármán line—the established boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. Calandrelli was joined by fellow space tourists including Sharon Hagle, Marc Hagle, Austin Litteral, James (J.D.) Russell, and Henry (Hank) Wolfond during the mission. Upon returning to Earth, she likened the experience of seeing Earth from space to motherhood, illustrating the awe that accompanied her first glimpse of the planet from such a unique perspective.
“I immediately turned upside down and looked at the planet and then there was so much space, and I kept saying, like, ‘that’s our planet!’” Calandrelli shared, echoing sentiments of wonder and amazement akin to those felt during significant life events, like the birth of a child. She recalled that seeing Earth from space mirrored the emotions she experienced when her children were brought into the world, further emphasizing the depth of her emotional journey.
Historically, women have faced considerable challenges in the field of space exploration. Soviet cosmonaut Valentina V. Tereshkova was the first woman to travel to space in June 1963, yet it took two decades before another woman would embark on a similar journey. Sally K. Ride made history in June 1983 as the first American woman in space. Calandrelli’s achievement represents a significant achievement in female representation in the aerospace industry.
After her flight, Calandrelli felt overwhelmed with emotion, having grappled with the trolling response while processing the monumental experience. She opened up about project her feelings to her “space sisters,” seeking solace and advice. Even in transit, a supportive flight attendant offered a whispered encouragement to “not let them dull your shine,” reinforcing the bond shared among women, particularly those in challenging fields.
In a world where online negativity can often overshadow monumental achievements, Calandrelli remains resilient, embodying the spirit of encouragement and empowerment that her journey symbolizes. Her experience serves not only as a remarkable milestone but also as a clarion call for respect, representation, and resilience in the face of adversity.