Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
