Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.