Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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 featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “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 operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

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