Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

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