Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Harassment 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 historic all-female space mission.

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 featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized 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 said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

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

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.