Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
