Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “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 operated research during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after surviving a rape during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured leaders in various fields.

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