Crew Member Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
