Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath 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 well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.
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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.
The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
