Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“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.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
Flight Details
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
