Crew Member Shares Depression Following ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip
A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.
The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the short-duration mission in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.
The mission was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who became the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an torrent of sexist abuse.
“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the journey.
She portrayed the press attention and digital reaction as an unprecedented psychological assault.
“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of 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 conducted studies in gynecological science and operated research during the flight, said everything she had worked for – including her lab work and years of training to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the tide of misogyny.
She is best known for her pioneering work championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.
Her own aspiration for spaceflight was deferred after an attack during her college days, leading to a long campaign for accountability.
A Path to Recovery
In the time since fulfilling her dream, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she expressed gratitude the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she wrote.
She concluded that amid the criticism, considerable good had emerged from the flight, including elevated attention for her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.
Flight Details
The self-operating spacecraft departed Texas in the spring, carrying the all-female team on a short trip that exceeded the Kármán line of outer space.
The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.
The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a well-known tech mogul.
