Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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 said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

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