Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.