Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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