Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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