Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
