Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey
A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred 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 fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.
She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
Flight Details
The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.
The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.
The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.