Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

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