Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “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 every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.