Crew Member Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon 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 explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.