Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred 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 heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.