Astronaut Reveals Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.
She described 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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.