Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.