Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.