Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.