Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.