Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.