Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding 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 in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision 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 vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
