Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism 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 April, which also featured well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse 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

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

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

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

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