Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

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 landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.