Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.