Crew Member Reveals Depression In the Wake of Wave of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight
A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse 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 brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.
Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.
She characterized 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 revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”
Overshadowed by Sexism
Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the historic significance of her roots – was buried under the avalanche of misogyny.
She is best known for her tireless campaigning fighting for justice for survivors of assault.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.
She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the flight, such as spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The team of pioneers also featured experts in multiple disciplines.
The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.
