Astronaut Shares Depression After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, 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 told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.