Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress In the Wake of Deluge of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the wake 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 short-duration mission in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

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

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a social media post, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

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

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “You all saved me,” she wrote.

She noted that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the flight, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The group of women also included accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.