Astronaut Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

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

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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