Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 featured well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.