Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.