Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after facing a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

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

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the flight.

She characterized 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and conducted tests during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the personal milestone of her background – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after surviving a rape during her university years, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following achieving her goal, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the mission, including spotlight on her scientific work and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The self-operating spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.

The team of pioneers also included accomplished professionals from different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a well-known tech mogul.