Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.