Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “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 female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

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