Astronaut Reveals Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath 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 the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described 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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.