Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.
