Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression 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 included well-known figures.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She described 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.