Crew Member Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized 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 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 everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.