Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, 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 social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my 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 conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.