Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.