Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.