Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 confessed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.