Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, describing a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised experts in various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.