Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized 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 confessed. “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 women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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