Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.