Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

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

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.