Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
