Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.