Space Traveler Shares Depression Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.