Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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