Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

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

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” 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 dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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