Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

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