Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath 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 April, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.