Space Traveler Reveals Depression After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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 featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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