Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing 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 “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

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.