Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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