Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“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 landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” 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 conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.

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