Crew Member Reveals Emotional Distress In the Wake of Wave of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her battle with depression after enduring a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a pioneering women-only spaceflight.

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

The much-publicized journey was widely scrutinized by some, who challenged its value and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a online statement, describing a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her studies and astronaut training to the symbolic importance of her roots – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own goal of reaching space was paused after being assaulted during her university years, leading to a protracted legal battle.

The Fog Begins to Lift

Now, eight months after fulfilling her dream, she noted the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she expressed gratitude the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she affirmed.

She noted that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft lifted off from its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a 11-minute journey that crossed the Kármán line of outer space.

The diverse crew also included experts in multiple disciplines.

The company behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a Amazon founder.