Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to 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 in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.