Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring 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 short-duration mission earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“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.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Months following fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the experience, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.