Astronaut Shares Depression After ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.