Space Traveler Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.