Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.