Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

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

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.