A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.
The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
