Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following 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 wrote. “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 – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.