Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

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

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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