Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
