Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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 conducted studies in women's health research 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 background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.