Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, 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,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” 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 women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.