Astronaut Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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