Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the flight.
She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to gynecological science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused 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 fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.
She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.
The team of pioneers also included experts in various fields.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
