Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, 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 social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

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