Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.