Crew Member Discloses Depression After ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She characterized the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a well-known tech mogul.