Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.