Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.