Space Traveler Discloses Depression Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake 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 the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.