Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
Finding Solid Ground
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.