Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.