Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing 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 much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.