Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.