Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.