Crew Member Discloses Emotional Distress Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Following Journey

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – recognized as a researcher and activist – was part of the 11-minute suborbital flight earlier this year, which also carried celebrity crewmates.

The mission was met with derision by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the negative reaction overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, recalling a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“For a full week, I was bedridden and couldn't leave my Texas location,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her scientific research and years of training to the historic significance of her roots – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is most acclaimed for her groundbreaking advocacy protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was deferred after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, considerable good had come out of the experience, including spotlight on her scientific work and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the edge of space.

The team of pioneers also comprised leaders in different industries.

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