Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.