Kellie Gerardi is a trailblazer in the world of space exploration, and as she prepares for her second mission to space, she is also navigating a deeply personal journey. The astronaut and researcher spoke exclusively with What’s Trending at The Wrap’s Power Women Summit, sharing insights on her upcoming space mission, the challenges faced by women in STEM, and the delicate balancing act between career and family life.
A Return to Space: Leading an All-Female Research Team
Gerardi, who made history in 2023 as one of the few women to fly to space, is gearing up for another monumental journey in 2026. This time, she will be leading an all-female research team, an achievement that she describes as “an honor of a lifetime.”
“It never gets old,” Gerardi said when reflecting on her astronaut title. “When I was on this carpet, there was a little name plaque that said my name and underneath it said ‘Astronaut.’ I was like, that will never get old to see.” Gerardi’s excitement is palpable, not just because of the scientific mission at hand but also due to the personal milestone this represents in her career.
She continued, “I flew in 2023, and in 2026, I will fly again, this time leading an all-female research team. It’s a true honor.” Gerardi’s upcoming flight will focus on advancing research in microgravity, a critical step in the progress of space technology and its potential for benefiting life on Earth.
The Rigorous Preparation for Space Missions
While space travel might seem like a dream for many, the preparation for such missions is both intense and technical. Gerardi explained the unique training process that includes testing technologies on Earth before implementing them in space. One of the most extreme preparation methods she undergoes involves the Vomit Comet, a specialized aircraft that simulates the conditions of zero gravity.
“We fly on these aircraft called the Vomit Comet, which take a rollercoaster profile here on Earth. It’s where we mature technology, test different technologies in microgravity, and then we perfect what we need to do in space,” Gerardi said. “It’s like upping my dose of vitamin G – high G-forces and zero-G-forces. That’s how we prepare for a science space flight.”
For Gerardi, these physically demanding simulations are essential in ensuring both her team and the technology are ready for the unique challenges of space. Despite the grueling nature of the prep, she remains excited about the future of space exploration and the opportunities it holds.
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Women in Space: A New Era of Access
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Gerardi acknowledges the significant hurdles that women face in STEM. However, she also recognizes the groundbreaking progress being made, particularly in the realm of space exploration. In fact, Gerardi is proud to be the 90th woman to ever fly to space, a fact that still feels surreal to her.
“I’m just a girl from Jupiter, Florida,” Gerardi said. “To think that I could be a part of something like this, it took a lot of adjusting the limiter on my own imagination in life, a lot of cutting through the noise and limitations I might’ve put on myself.” Gerardi credits much of her success to her parents, who instilled in her the mindset that anything is possible with enough hard work and determination.
When discussing women in STEM more broadly, Gerardi pointed out that the key challenge is not just getting women into the field but keeping them there. “It’s not just about how do we get more women interested in STEM. It’s much more about how do we keep them interested and make sure they have the room they need to flourish,” she said. “Science needs women, and the world needs science.”
Meeting Her Role Models at the Power of Women Summit
At the Power of Women Summit, Gerardi was surrounded by a remarkable group of women leaders, and she shared her admiration for many of the women she met. “I met Melanie Hildebrandt last night, and she’s just amazing. She’s the CTO of Fox. I look at women like her and I’m just blown away by the level of expertise they employ in their daily lives,” Gerardi said.
She also mentioned other women who inspire her, including Caitlyn Clark, recognizing their leadership and ability to carve out new paths in their respective industries. “It’s incredible to be in the same room with these women, who are not only experts in their fields but are also paving the way for others,” she added.
The Future of Space and Its Challenges
Despite her accomplishments, Gerardi is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, not only for herself but for the entire space industry. Access to space remains a significant barrier, with many talented individuals unable to secure a path to space due to funding or other limitations.
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“Access is still the most critical limiter for human space flight, not aptitude,” Gerardi explained. “There are a million people out there who are just as capable as I am, but for whom a path hasn’t materialized yet.”
She also recognized the broader societal issues that affect space exploration, noting that the work done in space cannot be separated from the problems faced here on Earth. “Space doesn’t exist independently of our societal backdrop. We have pressing issues here on Earth, and my goal is always to use space as a laboratory to benefit humanity,” she said.
Balancing Family and Space Exploration
Gerardi’s journey isn’t just about science and exploration; it’s also about balancing her personal life with her professional ambitions. As a mother to a 7-year-old daughter, Delta V, Gerardi is also navigating the challenges of family life while planning for her upcoming space mission in 2026. She has been open about her IVF journey and how she’s planning for both motherhood and space travel.
“My version of girl math right now is planning out how many IVF cycles I can go through before my 2026 space flight,” Gerardi shared. “I’ve learned that you can have it all, but you can’t always have it at the same time.” She credits her husband for his unwavering support during this balancing act, saying, “When I run into a wall, one of us has to give, and it’s never going to be me.”
Despite the challenges, Gerardi remains optimistic about both her space mission and her future as a mother. “I’m very optimistic,” she said, “and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
As Gerardi looks to the future, she continues to inspire women everywhere, proving that with determination, passion, and the right support, there are no limits to what can be achieved – whether on Earth or in space.
