Space Traveler Reveals Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

She portrayed 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 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 performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness helped save her. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised experts in different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.