Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Online Abuse Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after facing 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 researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, referring to a phone call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the flight.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her studies and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the avalanche of sexist vitriol.

She is most acclaimed for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

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

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose support were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The computer-piloted New Shepard rocket departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.