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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health 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 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 heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

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