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

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She characterized 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.