Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.