Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the press attention and digital reaction 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 dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from various fields.

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