Space Traveler Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
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.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.