Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.