Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

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