Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “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 operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
