Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

Crew Member during journey
The scientist and activist, a bioastronautics research scientist, was a passenger on the New Shepard NS-31 rocket in April 2025.

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.

Robert Martin
Robert Martin

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