Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, 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, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
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 Kármán line of space.
The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
