Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
