Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response 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 mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted 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 reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included experts in multiple disciplines.

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