Astronaut Reveals Depression Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.