Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress After Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

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

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy 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 revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

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

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in various fields.

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