Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding 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 – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.