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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.