Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to 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 brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.