Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted 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 even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
