Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.