Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

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 historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

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