Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
