Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.