Astronaut Shares Depression After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
