Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
