Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.