Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.