Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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