Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement 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 landing.

She described 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

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

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