Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

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 studies and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.