Crew Member Reveals Mental Health Struggle In the Wake of ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has opened up regarding her emotional downturn after enduring 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 researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried high-profile passengers.

The mission was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the astronaut, who made history as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She described the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and conducted tests during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and years of training to the personal milestone of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of misogyny.

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

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.

A Path to Recovery

In the time since achieving her goal, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose messages of encouragement pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She added that despite the negativity, important benefits had resulted from the mission, such as elevated attention for her women's health research and chances to influence leaders.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a short trip that exceeded the edge of space.

The diverse crew also included experts in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.