Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known 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 carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.