Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also carried well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and conducted tests during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was put on hold after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that amid the criticism, significant positive outcomes had come out of the flight, including increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.