Astronaut Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.

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