Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was buried under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also featured experts in various fields.

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