Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

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

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

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.