Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her college days, 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 supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.