Astronaut Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She characterized 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

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

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.