Crew Member Discloses Mental Health Struggle Following ‘Tsunami of Online Abuse Following Journey
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her emotional downturn after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.
The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the short-duration mission in April, which also included well-known figures.
The high-profile flight was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.
“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, describing a supportive conversation from a mission companion in the days following the landing.
She characterized 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 confessed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”
Buried Under Misogyny
Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her lab work and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of gendered attacks.
She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.
Her own goal of reaching space was deferred after surviving a rape during her college days, leading to a protracted legal battle.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the followers whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, important benefits had emerged from the experience, such as increased focus on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.
About the Mission
The computer-piloted spacecraft launched from Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that passed the Kármán line of outer space.
The group of women also included experts in various fields.
The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
