Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.