Kellie Gerardi is a force to be reckoned with in the space industry. Not only is she an astronaut, researcher, and author, but she's also a passionate advocate for women in STEM, space, and beyond. Having made history as the 90th woman to fly to space, Gerardi's trailblazing journey is just beginning. After her successful mission in 2023 as a payload specialist aboard the Galactic 05 research flight, she’s set to lead an all-female crew aboard Virgin Galactic’s Delta class spacecraft in 2026. Along the way, she's earned a devoted following of nearly 2 million fans across social media, inspiring young women and mothers to dream big—because, as she often says, not even the sky is a limit.
Photo Credit: Steven Martine
Words Angel Neal
When Kellie reflects on her first spaceflight, it’s clear that the experience reshaped her entire worldview. "I was incredibly well-trained from a science perspective, but nothing could have prepared me for seeing Earth with my own eyes," she admits. "It was mind-bending and profound. I experienced this intense cognitive dissonance of feeling both a part of it and slightly outside of it." The view from space left Gerardi in awe, but it also solidified her belief that space exploration is a human endeavor. "Space, and STEM, is truly a human story, and I bring that down to Earth in everything I do."
This shift in perspective influences how Gerardi approaches her work in both the commercial space sector and her advocacy for young women in science. As the first woman contracted to fly on two different commercial spacecraft, she’s excited about what the future holds for women in space.
“When my mom was born, human beings hadn’t yet flown to space. And when she was growing up, women weren’t eligible,” she explains. “But just one generation later, she watched her daughter reach the stars and her granddaughter take it for granted.”
This generational leap fuels Gerardi’s passion for expanding access to space and making it more inclusive. “The limiter to human spaceflight has always been access, not aptitude. And that’s changing,” she says, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She’s especially thrilled by the potential for women and mothers in STEM to see space as an attainable career. For her own daughter, Delta, who is growing up with space as a natural part of her world, the sky is just the beginning. “In Delta’s mind, flying to space is just another thing girls do!”
Gerardi’s career is not just about pushing boundaries in space travel; it's about advancing scientific research that can benefit humanity. During her first spaceflight, she operated complex biomedical experiments, including groundbreaking research on insulin resistance. “I wore a continuous glucose monitor—one of the first times it’s been worn in space,” she shares. “For kids diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the doctor’s script used to say ‘don’t worry… you can be anything except an astronaut!’ I’m helping to make sure that’s no longer true.” This mission, along with others she’s planned, will contribute to making space a more inclusive and accessible laboratory for diverse populations.
Looking ahead to her second mission in 2026, Gerardi is particularly excited to delve into women’s health and reproductive research, areas she’s passionate about advancing.
“My next flight will be an opportunity to expand on biomedical research, especially around fluid dynamics and the impact of microgravity,” she says. “I want to demonstrate our ability to control the behavior of fluids in space, which could impact everything from spacecraft life support systems to new medical devices.”
In a world where women are often expected to choose between beauty and brains, Gerardi is determined to show that you can be both—and much more. A self-proclaimed lover of fashion, space-themed accessories, and visible representation, she’s made it her mission to bring her full, authentic self to space. “Since my spaceflight, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the power of visible representation,” she says. “Fewer than 100 women in history have ever flown to space, and instead of fitting into the narrow mold society has for astronauts, I wanted to force society’s picture to expand to include me—especially as the mom of a young daughter.”
Her unique style—complete with space-themed fashion and a wrist full of friendship bracelets—is just one way she challenges stereotypes about women in STEM. "Instead of conforming to what people think a woman in space should look like, I want to show that we can bring all our multitudes with us. Space, sparkle, and science can absolutely go together."
Gerardi’s children’s book series *Luna Muna* encapsulates this message, introducing young girls to the idea that they can be anything, even astronauts, without sacrificing their femininity. "I wrote *Luna Muna* because there was a gap in the market for space-themed books that centered girls as the main character," she says. The series has been embraced by readers around the world, even making its way to the International Space Station and the White House. "I wanted to create a visual representation of space for girls. Luna Muna’s glittery space helmet shows them that science and sparkle can coexist."
With nearly 2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Gerardi has become a leading voice for young women in STEM, using social media not only to share her journey but also to provide guidance and inspiration. "The most extraordinary thing about me is that I’m an ordinary person," she says. "And that kind of visible representation matters." Through her platform, Gerardi actively encourages others to dream big, break barriers, and pursue their passions without fear of failure. "When you proclaim your dreams loudly, you're going to meet resistance. But the real superpower is tuning out the discouragement and using it to fuel your motivation."
Her openness about the challenges of balancing career and motherhood has also resonated deeply with her audience. "I didn’t lose my identity with pregnancy—becoming Delta’s mom only made my dreams bolder and my sense of purpose deeper,” she shares. "I want to reassure young women that they don’t have to choose between career and family. You can have both."
Looking toward the future, Gerardi’s ambitions remain as high as ever. "I’m excited to continue expanding the scientific research on my upcoming mission," she says. "And I’m hoping to expand our family in the meantime." After a challenging fertility journey, Gerardi is planning to pursue fertility treatments in the winter, demonstrating that even astronauts face challenges in the pursuit of their dreams. "The work is never done," she says, her focus unwavering. "I’m always thinking about how I can help make space and STEM more accessible to future generations of women."
Gerardi's advice to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps is simple: "Never give up. The limiter to spaceflight has always been access, not aptitude, and that’s changing. My dream was always bigger than just flying to space. I wanted to help open the door for the next generation of researchers. And the truly fulfilling part is holding that door open behind me."
As Kellie Gerardi continues to make history, one thing is clear: her journey is just beginning. And for the millions of young girls who look up to her, space has never felt closer, nor their dreams more attainable.
To keep track of all things Geradi check her out here @kelliegerardi .