Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
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 well-known figures.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment 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 aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“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
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
