Astronaut Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.