Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
