🔗 Share this article Astronaut Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was onboard the automated spacecraft in Spring 2025. A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space. The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures. The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint. Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred. “I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey. She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”. “I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny. She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence. Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice. Finding Solid Ground Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote. She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism. Flight Details The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space. The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries. The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.