Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.