Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to 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 earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.
