Astronaut Reveals Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed 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 confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft 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 enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.