West Virginia engineer, author, TV host, and mother sets sights on space as next frontier.
A citizen astronaut will serve as an ambassador on a Blue Origin flight as 'The Space Gal'.
Emily Calandrelli, an engineer, TV host, author, and mom, will make history as the first West Virginia woman to journey to outer space.
On Tuesday, it was announced that she will embark on an out-of-this-world journey as a citizen astronaut ambassador with Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos.
"Calandrelli expressed his gratitude for flying with Blue Origin, stating that he is excited to represent his home state and demonstrate the capabilities of kids from Appalachia, women, and mothers. He added, "Country roads, take me to space!""
In her Instagram post, Calandrelli stated that space travel was her ultimate aspiration.
Calandrelli's upcoming spaceflight information was requested by Planet Chronicle Digital through her representative.
The nonprofit Space for Humanity chose Calandrelli to participate in its Citizen Astronaut Program.
The organization, based in Colorado, offers a sponsored spaceflight experience to purpose-driven leaders, with the goal of creating a shift in perspective that enables them to tackle the most challenging issues and develop innovative solutions upon their return.
The individual, a 38-year-old West Virginia native, pursued mechanical and aerospace engineering at West Virginia University before earning dual master's degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, as well as technology and policy, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"The Space Gal," Calandrelli, advocates for girls in STEM fields.
A NASA intern and mother of two is a well-known TV personality.
She has featured in multiple episodes of Netflix's "Bill Nye Saves the World."
She has also served as both co-executive producer and host of the Netflix science show "Emily's Wonder Lab."
In 2017, Calandrelli received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her contributions to Fox's "Xploration Station" educational programming.
Besides being the author of the "Ada Lace" series and the picture book "Reach for the Stars," she is also the author of several children's books.
"Emily is thrilled for Space for Humanity," said Antonio Peronace, executive director, in a statement.
"We are thrilled to know that a talented and committed science communicator with a strong STEM background is heading to space. Emily Calandrelli has spent years making STEM accessible to young people worldwide."
"It's about the countless others she will be bringing along with her."
This mission is not just about her traveling to space; it's about the countless others she will bring along with her. We're proud to cheer her on.
The first manned Blue Origin spaceflight took place in 2021.
The Kármán line was crossed by Bezos and four other individuals.
Earlier this year, Katya Echazarreta was appointed as the first-ever citizen astronaut ambassador.
She will become the first Mexican-born female to fly to space.
It hasn't yet been determined when Calandrelli will strap on her spacesuit.
She expressed on Instagram that she hopes to inspire "girls everywhere" to reach the stars by becoming the first female astronaut from West Virginia.
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