Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

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

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.