Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “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 flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.