Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

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

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.