Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas 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 venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.