Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon 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 “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.