Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
