Astronaut Discloses Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health 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 – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.