Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.