Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The company behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.