Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history 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 online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
