Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also included well-known figures.
The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the news reports and online discourse as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“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 focused her career on women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and years of training to the personal milestone of her roots – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.
A Path to Recovery
Months following fulfilling her dream, she noted the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.
About the Mission
The fully automated New Shepard rocket lifted off from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that passed the Kármán line of space.
The group of women also comprised experts in different industries.
The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.
