Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
