Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.