Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

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

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “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 performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause 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 has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.