Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment 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 supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.