Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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