Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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