Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured high-profile passengers.

The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and conducted tests during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose messages of encouragement helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.

She concluded that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.