Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
