Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

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

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

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