Crew Member Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
