Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.