Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of Wave of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, 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 “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.