Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to 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 brief journey to space in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

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