Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.