Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

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