Crew Member Shares Depression After Wave of Harassment After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also included high-profile passengers.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the negative reaction eclipsed her moment under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” she recounted in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She characterized the news reports and online discourse as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she confessed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her background – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose support helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She noted that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The group of women also featured experts in different industries.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.