Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge 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 pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also featured well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the flight.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Months following achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

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