Astronaut Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.