Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.