Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.