Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

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