Astronaut Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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 high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

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