Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.