Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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