Emily Calandrelli, MIT engineer and science communicator, recently made history as the 100th woman to go to space, joining Blue Origin’s ninth human rocket mission, according to the Guardian. However, her monumental achievement was met with unwarranted backlash from online trolls, prompting Calandrelli to respond with grace and determination.
During the mission, Calandrelli joined five other tourists, including Austin Litteral and Sharon Hagle, on a journey past the Kármán line, the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. In footage shared by Blue Origin, Calandrelli’s awe was palpable as she looked out the rocket window, exclaiming: “Oh my god, this is space.”
She later compared the experience to becoming a mother. “I didn’t expect to see so much space, and I kept saying that’s our planet! That’s our planet!” she said. “It was the same feeling I got when my kids were born. I was like, ‘That’s my baby! That’s my baby!’”
While many congratulated her achievement, negative comments began flooding social media. Some dismissed her milestone, with one remarking, “It’s not an achievement being a woman.” Others belittled her accomplishment, calling it “a glorified roller coaster.”
Blue Origin removed the original video due to the volume of crude remarks but later reposted an edited version. In response, Calandrelli took to Instagram to address the backlash. Sharing a photo from the rocket landing, she reflected on the bittersweet aftermath of her flight.
“This all happened as I was flying home after experiencing the most perfect, wonderful dream-achieving experience of my life. And instead of being on cloud nine, I’m crying in my seat staring out the window. Because of course this happened,” she wrote.
Calandrelli shared her frustration and leaned on her “space sisters” for support. “I spent the flight texting my space sisters for advice. To share anger and sadness and to receive validation that I have nothing to be embarrassed of.”
She vowed not to let the negativity overshadow her joy: “I will not apologize or feel weird about my reaction. It’s wholly mine and I love it. When I can, I’ll reshare it myself with all of you.”
Ending her post with a message of resilience, she shared a heartfelt moment with a flight attendant who encouraged her: “Don’t let them dull your shine.” Calandrelli added, “I felt an immediate sense of camaraderie with her, with all women. I love you all.”
Her response stands as a powerful reminder to celebrate achievements unapologetically, no matter the criticism.