Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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 well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, 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 unprecedented psychological assault.

“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 focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.