Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.