Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath 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 brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured well-known figures.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she wrote. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and conducted tests during the flight, said everything she had worked for – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the avalanche of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the supporters whose support were her lifeline. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She added that amid the criticism, important benefits had come out of the mission, including elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

About the Mission

The self-operating New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that passed the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.