Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.