Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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