Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “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 women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.