Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “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 conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

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