Crew Member Discloses Depression Following Deluge of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – celebrated as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The much-publicized journey was met with derision by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the situation, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member 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”.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Buried Under Misogyny

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – from her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness helped save her. “You were my salvation,” she wrote.

She added that despite the negativity, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated New Shepard rocket launched from Texas in April, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the edge of space.

The group of women also included experts in different industries.

The company behind the mission is a private space firm established by a Amazon founder.