Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment 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 pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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 university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.