Crew Member Reveals Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her struggle with mental health after facing 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 carried high-profile passengers.

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

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, 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,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an barrage beyond typical human coping.

“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.”

Overshadowed by Sexism

The researcher, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the mission, said everything she had worked for – from her studies and years of training to the symbolic importance of her background – was overshadowed under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own aspiration for spaceflight was paused after an attack during her university years, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she reports that the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she expressed gratitude the supporters whose support pulled her through. “You were my salvation,” she affirmed.

She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the experience, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from Texas in April, carrying the six-woman crew on a short trip that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.

The group of women also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company launched by a well-known tech mogul.