Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath 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 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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 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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of 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

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.