Astronaut Reveals Depression After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to 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 in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
