Space Traveler Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

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

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed 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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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