Astronaut Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

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

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.