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

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

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

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.