Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

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