Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.