Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my 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 scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

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