Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – 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 environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.