Astronaut Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.