Crew Member Shares Emotional Distress After Deluge of Harassment Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after being subjected to a “tsunami of harassment” in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight in the spring, which also carried well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who cited its expense and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who made history as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the days following the landing.

She portrayed 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 revealed. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has conducted studies in women's health research and operated research during the mission, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her background – was buried under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her college days, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the well-wishers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had come out of the flight, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

About the Mission

The self-operating spacecraft launched from its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also featured leaders in different industries.

The venture behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a Amazon founder.