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

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.