Crew Member Shares Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.