Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.