Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
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 “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
