Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
