Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She described 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
