Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She characterized 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 confessed. “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 conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
