Astronaut Discloses Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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