Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to 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 short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
