Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

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

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.