Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site 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 various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.