Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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