Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.