Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.