Astronaut Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘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 wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental 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 torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.