Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

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

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.