Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.