Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off 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 accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
