Astronaut Reveals Depression After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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 carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash 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, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge 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 an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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