Space Traveler Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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