Astronaut Reveals Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
