Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, 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 online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

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 years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

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