Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash 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 check-in call from a fellow crew member in the days following the flight.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

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

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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