Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.

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