Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.