Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler 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 – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

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

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.