Space Traveler Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

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

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.