Astronaut Reveals Depression After Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.