Astronaut Discloses Emotional Distress After Deluge of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the mission, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

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

The group of women also comprised experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.