Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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