Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
