Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.