Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
