Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash 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, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She characterized 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 wrote. “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 conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
