Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

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