Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
