Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.