Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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