Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “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 performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.