Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.