Space Traveler Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

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