Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
