Crew Member Reveals Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who cited its expense and carbon footprint.

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

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, referring to a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she confessed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after an attack during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she noted the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She added that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also comprised experts in multiple disciplines.

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