Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.