Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – 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 aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

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