Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights 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
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.