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

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring 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 scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after being assaulted during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.