Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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