Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment 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 landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.