Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

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