Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The group of women also included leaders in various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.
