Crew Member Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her battle with depression after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, describing a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm founded by a well-known tech mogul.