Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

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