Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Harassment Following Journey

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

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “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 female health science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in various fields.

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