Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “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 women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated 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 noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.