Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
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 landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.
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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the edge of outer space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
