Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission 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 intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.