Space Traveler Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave 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 – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in April, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused 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 noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.