Crew Member Shares Depression In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

Months following reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.