Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.