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

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism 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 short-duration mission in April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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 focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.