Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

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