Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
