Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.
The group of women also included leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
