Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
