Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle Following Wave of Harassment Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The mission was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the vicious response buried her dreams under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a phone call from a fellow crew member in the days following the journey.

She portrayed the news reports and online discourse 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. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

The researcher, who has conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the mission, said every professional achievement – including her studies and years of training to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the tide of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose support pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that despite the negativity, significant positive outcomes had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The computer-piloted spacecraft departed Texas in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured accomplished professionals from multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the flight is a private space firm established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.