Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.