Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn 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 in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.