Crew Member Shares Depression Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She characterized 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. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

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