Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She described the press attention and digital reaction 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
