Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning 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 long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.