Crew Member Discloses Depression After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
