Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She described 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
