Astronaut Discloses Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” 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 dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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