Astronaut Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
