Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

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