Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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 well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as 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,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.