Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
