Blue Origin NS-28: Emily Calandrelli Becomes the 100th Woman in Space
On November 22, 2024, Blue Origin’s NS-28 mission made history as Emily Calandrelli, a renowned STEM advocate and aerospace engineer, became the 100th woman to travel to space. Known as “The Space Gal,” Calandrelli’s journey aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket not only marked a significant milestone for women in space but also highlighted the growing importance of diversity and representation in STEM and space exploration.
Historic Launch of Blue Origin’s NS-28
The Blue Origin NS-28 mission launched from the company’s West Texas facility, carrying six civilian passengers on a suborbital flight. Reaching a peak altitude of 106 kilometers, the mission surpassed the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The flight lasted approximately ten minutes, including four minutes of weightlessness, where passengers marveled at the stunning views of Earth from space. The reusable RSS First Step spacecraft ensured a safe return for the crew after the mission.
Emily Calandrelli: Pioneering STEM Advocate
As the 100th woman in space, Emily Calandrelli’s achievement represents a landmark moment in space history. A passionate advocate for STEM education, Calandrelli has dedicated her career to inspiring young women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
On her journey, she carried a photo montage honoring the 99 women who flew before her, paying tribute to their contributions. Reflecting on the experience, she described the view from space as one of the most emotional moments of her life, equating it to the birth of her children.
The mission’s logo, featuring a figure in pink overalls, symbolized Calandrelli’s historic flight and her role in breaking barriers for women in space exploration and STEM fields.
The NS-28 Crew
Emily Calandrelli was joined on the Blue Origin NS-28 mission by:
- Marc and Sharon Hagle: Space enthusiasts returning for their second Blue Origin flight.
- Austin Litteral: A participant sponsored by Whatnot, a livestream shopping platform.
- J.D. Russell: A former game warden and entrepreneur.
- Hank Wolfond: A Canadian CEO representing the investment sector.
Together, the diverse crew highlighted Blue Origin’s commitment to expanding access to space for individuals from various backgrounds.
Advancing Civilian Space Travel
Blue Origin’s reusable spacecraft technology is revolutionizing civilian space travel. The NS-28 mission, its ninth human spaceflight, demonstrates the company’s dedication to making space accessible to more people. Emily Calandrelli’s seat was funded by multiple sponsors, showcasing the power of partnerships in promoting representation and education in STEM fields.
A Milestone in Representation
By becoming the 100th woman in space, Calandrelli joins an elite group of 714 individuals who have ventured beyond Earth, according to the Association of Space Explorers. Her historic flight underscores the importance of representation in inspiring future generations, particularly young women, to dream big and pursue careers in science and technology.
Key Achievements of the Blue Origin NS-28 Mission
- Emily Calandrelli made history as the 100th woman to travel to space, solidifying her legacy as a STEM advocate.
- The mission highlighted Blue Origin’s focus on reusable spacecraft, advancing civilian space travel with a safe and efficient system.
- The crew’s diversity showcased the growing inclusivity of space exploration.
- Emily’s dedication to honoring the women who came before her emphasizes the progress being made in gender representation in space.
Looking Ahead
The Blue Origin NS-28 mission not only celebrated Emily Calandrelli’s remarkable achievement but also served as a testament to the limitless possibilities of space exploration. As the boundaries of civilian space travel expand, her story inspires a new generation to reach for the stars and continue breaking barriers.
This milestone flight represents the future of inclusive space exploration, where opportunities for discovery and innovation are accessible to all. Blue Origin, through missions like NS-28, continues to shape a brighter future for space travel and STEM education.