Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

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