Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the period after 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.