Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described 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 focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work 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 tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.