Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.
The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon 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 told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.
