Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.