Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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