Astronaut Reveals Depression After Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

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