Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut 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 – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
