Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.