Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“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 aftermath of the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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