Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, 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 explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.