Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

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

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.