Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
