Astronaut Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.