Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed 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 confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, 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 noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

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