Astronaut Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.