Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.