Emily Calandrelli, a prominent aerospace engineer and television personality, is set to make history as the first woman from West Virginia to travel to space. Announced on Tuesday, Calandrelli will embark on her space journey through a private flight company, adding a significant milestone to her impressive career.
Calandrelli, an alumna of West Virginia University (WVU) and an Emmy-n“ominated host, shared her excitement about this monumental achievement. “Studying aerospace engineering for a decade and dreaming of going to space has always been a part of my journey,” said Calandrelli, who grew up in Morgantown. “My goal is to make this flight as representative of West Virginia as possible.”
She joins an esteemed group of West Virginians with connections to space exploration, including NASA engineer Homer Hickam, mathematician Katherine Johnson, and pioneering pilot Chuck Yeager. “I’m thrilled to connect with and build upon West Virginia’s existing space legacy and shine a light on my home state,” Calandrelli remarked.
The exact launch date is still to be determined, but the flight will occur at a Blue Origin launch site in West Texas. Founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin has successfully completed seven human spaceflight missions. The spacecraft, named New Shepard, carries up to six passengers on a trajectory similar to that of Alan Shepard, the first American in space.
Calandrelli expressed her eagerness to experience space, saying, “I’ve always wanted to see the curvature of the Earth and the vastness of space. It’s such a unique perspective to witness it firsthand.”
Her spaceflight is supported, in part, by a partnership with the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, established by Alys and Brad D. Smith. The foundation promotes accessible education and entrepreneurship. Brad Smith, President of Marshall University, has teamed up with Calandrelli to support the Marshall for All, Marshall Forever Program. This initiative, created by Smith, allows students to graduate debt-free with both a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Alys and Brad D. Smith praised Calandrelli’s achievements, stating, “Emily exemplifies the transformative power of accessible education. Her journey from facing challenges to reaching for the stars highlights the possibilities available to women and families in West Virginia when given educational opportunities.”
In addition to her space mission, Calandrelli plans to collaborate with West Virginia University as a research partner. She aims to take the WVU flag to space, symbolizing her connection to her alma mater and her home state.
Currently residing in California, Calandrelli will also return to West Virginia to inspire students through talks about her upcoming spaceflight. “I want to show them that if a West Virginia girl like me can achieve this incredible milestone, they too can reach for their dreams,” she said.
Aside from her space endeavors, Calandrelli serves as a correspondent on Netflix’s “Bill Nye Saves the World” and has authored nine children’s science books, further underscoring her commitment to education and science.
Calandrelli’s groundbreaking mission to space not only represents a personal dream come true but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and students across West Virginia.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
