Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

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 crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

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