Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, 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 public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.