Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.