Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
