Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.
She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.
