Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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 mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

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 “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.

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