Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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 featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological 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 heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.