Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “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 women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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