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

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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