Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement 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 phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

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