Space Traveler Shares Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in different industries.

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