Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
