Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described 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 revealed. “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 women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following 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 said.

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

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in various fields.

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