Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
