Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.