Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

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