A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, 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 online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.
She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.
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