Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.