Space Traveler Discloses Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.

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