Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring 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 earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.