Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

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

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.