Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction 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 conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

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