Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress After Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed 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 April, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the tide of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She concluded that even with the backlash, important benefits had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.