Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, 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 public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

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