Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the mission, including elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in various fields.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.