Astronaut Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in various fields.

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