Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” 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 female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

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