Crew Member Shares Depression After Deluge of Backlash Post-Spaceflight

A pioneering space traveler has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after facing a massive wave of online abuse in the wake of a historic all-female space mission.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and ecological impact.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Ms. Nguyen, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” the astronaut shared in a online statement, referring to a check-in call from a mission companion in the period after the journey.

She characterized 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 wrote. “Even a month on, a phone call ended with me hanging up, weeping uncontrollably.”

Eclipsed by Backlash

Ms. Nguyen, who has focused her career on women's health research and operated research during the mission, said all her lifelong efforts – from her scientific research and extensive preparation to the symbolic importance of her heritage – was buried under the deluge of misogyny.

She is widely recognized for her tireless campaigning championing the cause of victims of sexual violence.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

The Fog Begins to Lift

In the time since reaching space, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she acknowledged the supporters whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she said.

She noted that amid the criticism, important benefits had resulted from the mission, including spotlight on her women's health research and platforms for her activism.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed its launch site in April, carrying the all-female team on a brief suborbital flight that crossed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The group of women also featured experts in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a private space firm launched by a Amazon founder.