Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.