Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“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 days following the landing.

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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

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

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.