Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

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