Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

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