Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.