Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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 included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, 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 heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.