Space Traveler Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

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 featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

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