Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.