Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.