Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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