Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She described 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 revealed. “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 female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.