Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning 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 years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

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