Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response 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, recalling 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.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

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