Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn 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 April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.