Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental 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,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
