Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Wave of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the press attention and digital reaction as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating New Shepard rocket lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.