Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.