Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became 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,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

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