Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
