Crew Member Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
