Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response 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 phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.