Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.