Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding 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 – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.