Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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