Space Traveler Shares Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed 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 university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.