Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After ‘Tsunami of Backlash After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her battle with depression after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the aftermath of a historic all-female space mission.

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

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who questioned its cost and environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the first Vietnamese woman in space, stated the intense backlash eclipsed her moment under an “avalanche of misogyny”.

“I told her my depression might last for years,” Ms. Nguyen stated in a public message, recalling a phone call from a mission companion in the period after the landing.

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

Overshadowed by Sexism

Ms. Nguyen, who has dedicated her work to female health science and performed experiments during the flight, said all her lifelong efforts – from her studies and extensive preparation to the personal milestone of her background – was overshadowed under the avalanche of misogyny.

She is best known for her groundbreaking advocacy championing the cause of sexual assault survivors.

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

Finding Solid Ground

In the time since achieving her goal, she reports that the deepest pain is gradually receding, and she thanked the followers whose messages of encouragement were her lifeline. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She added that amid the criticism, considerable good had come out of the mission, including increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated spacecraft launched from its launch site in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the Kármán line of space.

The diverse crew also featured leaders in multiple disciplines.

The enterprise behind the mission is a private space firm established by a well-known tech mogul.