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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.