Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

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

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.