Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.