Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health 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 – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.