Astronaut Discloses 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 “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.