Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted 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 thanked the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

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