Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also included high-profile passengers.

The much-publicized journey was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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 mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She added that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.