Astronaut Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash 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 supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

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