Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.