Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized 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 vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

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

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had emerged from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft lifted off from Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included leaders in various fields.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.