Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in various fields.

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