Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included experts in various fields.

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