Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
