Astronaut Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
