Astronaut Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

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

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.