Space Traveler Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.