Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.