Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
