Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” 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 in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.