Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.