Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
