Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

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

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.