Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.