Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash 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 aftermath of the landing.

She described 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.

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