Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey 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 negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.