Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
