Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after enduring a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath 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 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.
She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.
“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”
Eclipsed by Backlash
The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
Finding Solid Ground
Months following reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she said.
She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.
The Historic Journey
The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the edge of space.
The diverse crew also comprised experts in different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm founded by a Amazon founder.
