Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, 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 wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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