Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.
The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.
