Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, 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 social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
