Emily Calandrelli, an engineer, TV host, author, and mother, is set to make history as the first woman from West Virginia to travel to outer space. Calandrelli will embark on this extraordinary journey as a citizen astronaut ambassador with Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, as announced on Tuesday.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to fly with Blue Origin,” Calandrelli said in a statement. “I look forward to representing my home state in this way and showing the world what kids from Appalachia can do, what women can do, and what mothers can do. Country roads, take me to space!”
In an Instagram post sharing the news, Calandrelli expressed that space travel has always been her “dream.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Calandrelli and her representative for more information about her upcoming spaceflight.
Calandrelli was chosen by the nonprofit organization Space for Humanity to participate in its Citizen Astronaut Program. The Colorado-based organization aims to provide purpose-driven leaders with a sponsored spaceflight experience to create a profound shift in perspective, enabling each citizen astronaut to return with a broader outlook to tackle significant global challenges and their solutions.
A 38-year-old native of West Virginia, Calandrelli studied mechanical and aerospace engineering at West Virginia University. She then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned dual master’s degrees in aeronautics and astronautics, as well as technology and policy.
Known on social media as “The Space Gal,” Calandrelli is a strong advocate for girls pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
A mother of two and former NASA intern, Calandrelli is a familiar face on television. She has appeared in several episodes of Netflix’s “Bill Nye Saves the World” and has served as co-executive producer and host of the Netflix science show “Emily’s Wonder Lab.” In 2017, she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on Fox’s “Xploration Station” educational programming.
Calandrelli is also the author of several children’s books, including the “Ada Lace” series and the picture book “Reach for the Stars.”
“Space for Humanity is thrilled for Emily,” executive director Antonio Peronace said in a statement. “We’re also excited knowing that such a dedicated and gifted science communicator with a strong background in STEM is going to space. Emily Calandrelli has spent years opening up a world of possibilities in STEM for young people globally.”
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