Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – 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 questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.