Astronaut Shares Depression Following Deluge of Backlash Following Journey

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 – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.