Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.