Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

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

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.