Astronaut Reveals Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.