Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.

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

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

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the followers whose support were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she said.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.