Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

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

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.