Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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