Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
