Crew Member Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.