Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the landing.

She described 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 wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

Finding Solid Ground

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from various fields.

The enterprise behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a Amazon founder.