Space Traveler Shares Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
The researcher, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.
Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.