Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the flight.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was buried under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.
The Fog Begins to Lift
In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You all saved me,” she said.
She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
The group of women also included leaders in different industries.
The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.
