Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.
