Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.