Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.