Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

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

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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