Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized 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 cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed 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.