Crew Member Reveals Depression After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.