Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
