Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

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