Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.