Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health 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 in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
