Astronaut Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

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

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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