Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
