Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing 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 brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

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