Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.

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