Space Traveler Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.