Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

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

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.