Crew Member Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.