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

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in April, which also featured well-known figures.

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” she recounted in a online statement, describing a check-in call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.

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. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was drowned out under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for survivors of assault.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

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

She added that even with the backlash, significant positive outcomes had emerged from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a brief suborbital flight that exceeded the edge of outer space.

The diverse crew also comprised leaders in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.